Dark Force Rising (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 2)

Book Description

The dying Empire's most cunning and ruthless warlord--Grand Admiral Thrawn--has taken command of the remnants of the Imperial fleet and launched a massive campaign aimed at the New Republic's destruction. With the aid of unimaginable weapons long hidden away by the Emperor on a backwater planet, Thrawn plans to turn the tide of battle, overwhelm the New Republic, and impose his iron rule throughout the galaxy. Meanwhile, Han and Lando Calrissian race against time to find proof of treason inside the highest Republican Council--only to discover instead a ghostly fleet of warships that could bring doom to their friends and victory to their enemies. Yet most dangerous of all is a new Dark Jedi, risen from the ashes of a shrouded past, consumed by bitterness... and scheming to corrupt Luke Skywalker to the Dark Side.

Customer Reviews:

Not Free SF Reader.......2007-09-03

Grand Admiral Thrawn attacks the New Republic on many fronts. He forces
our intrepid band of heroes to flee assassins, and Leia takes off with
Chewie, and Han goes looking for help by himself.

The dodgy Mara Jade is also floating around, as is a not so nice Jedi Master.

Whoever controls the 'Dark Force' of ancient ships in the end will have a massive advantage in the battle for the galaxy.

Author captures the epic spirit of Star Wars space opera.......2007-05-22

As far as post-Return of the Jedi novels about Luke, Han and Leia go, Timothy Zahn's breakthrough Thrawn Trilogy is the best.

As for the best novels from the era of the movie saga, I highly recommend the following 5-star novels:

Cloak of Deception (Star Wars)
Shadow Hunter (Star Wars: Darth Maul)
Labyrinth of Evil (Star Wars, Episode III Prequel Novel)
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)
Shadows of the Empire (Star Wars)

A Star Wars Fix.......2007-01-19

Do you hate George Lucas for ruining his own creation like I do? I mean, Star Wars, the defining mythology of at least two generations, the story of heroes and redemption has become the joke of our times. How could it not? Did you see that idiot, Anakin, scratching his way up the hill, beaten and burned, destined to become the shell for James Earl Jones's ominous basso voice? Did it make you groan? Did it make you want to set fire to the Skywalker Ranch? Am I alone?

Now, I'm not a Star Wars Geek. I don't play the roleplaying game. Never have. I don't have the library of tie-in novels and I do poorly at the trivia compared to a lot of people. But I snuck into the theater when I was 11 years old to watch Luke Skywalker discover The Force. I know great stories and despite the slightly cheesy effects and the ham-handed acting, Star Wars was a great story.

Why am I going on and on about what was? Because Timothy Zahn does Star Wars better than George Lucas does Star Wars. If Lucas had just filmed these three books - Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command - he'd have a masterpiece to crown his early achievements.

In Dark Force Rising, Leia conducts a mission to influence an alien race heretofore loyal to one of the Emperor's warlords, Luke finds himself battling an insane Jedi Master, Joruus C'Baoth, and Han Solo races the forces of the warlord, General Thrawn, to get to a lost fleet of Dreadnaught cruisers. The tension is high throughout this second book in the series and the characters conduct themselves admirably, keeping to the heroic expectations and rebellious attitudes we expect.

Reading this series, and especially this book, will remind you why we loved Star Wars and why we now hate George Lucas.

- CV Rick

The middle of a saga is always the best!.......2006-07-13

Just like Empire Strikes Back, Dark Force Rising is the pinnacle of what the middle portion of a saga is all about. There is tons of action and the book is so well written that you won't want to put it down.
Highly recommend this one and I can't wait to finish the triology with The Last Command.
Zahn is the man!

The Force is with you!.......2006-07-13

"Dark Force Rising" Volume 2 of the Thrawn Trilogy. Grand Admiral Thrawn continues his attempt to finish off the struggling New Republic. Talon Karrde, the smuggler who took Jabba's place is slowly being pulled over to the New Republic's side even though his right hand Mara Jade (The Emperors' Hand before he died) wants nothing to do with the new republic and who's only goal has been to kill Luke Skywalker. The two opposing sides race for a lost fleet of about 200 ships. The winner will have the upper hand in the continuing battle. Meanwhile the newly surfaced Jedi master plots to capture Leia, her twins and Luke.

The Good: The whole book (along with the other 2 were all very good). It's good to read the old favorites including Han, Leia, Luke, Chewy and Lando. The plot stays strong throughout and this kept the book enjoyable.

The Bad: Nothing memorable

Overall: The book and series are both very good and I recommend them highly

The Joiner King (Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

so-so Novel with Hints of greatness
One word, lackluster
A So-So New Beginning
I can't decide...
dark nest i : the joiner king

The Joiner King (Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 1)
Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345463048
Release Date: 2005-07-26

Book Description

After triumphing in Star Wars: The Unifying Force, the heroes of the New Jedi Order return in a dazzling new adventure!

Luke Skywalker is worried: A handful of Jedi Knights, including his nephew and niece, Jaina and Jacen Solo, have disappeared into the Unknown Regions in response to a strange cry for help that only they could hear. Now the alien Chiss have angrily lodged a formal complaint, accusing the missing Jedi of meddling in a border dispute between the Chiss and an unidentified aggressor.

Luke has no choice but to head to the Unknown Regions for serious damage control. Han and Leia follow, intent on protecting their children from what could be grave danger. But none of them are prepared for what they find when they reach their destination.

A colony of mysterious aliens is expanding toward the edge of Chiss space. The leader of the alien nest is resolute. Adept in the Force, he is drawing old friends to his side, compelling them to join the colony and meld their Force-abilities with his, even if it leads to all-out war. . . .

Customer Reviews:

so-so Novel with Hints of greatness.......2007-06-22

I really liked the overall plot of the book. I felt that the menace was new and not a rehashing of previous SW Novel villains. The whole hidden Nest thing was pretty interesting to me.

What brought this down in my eyes was the lackluster editing on the part of Lucasbooks. There were several moments that brought me completely out of the narrative.

1) Star Trek-ish Technobabble - Since when does the Millenium Falcon have nacelles? And the whole Reverse the polarity of the falcon's tractor beam thing was just too Trekky.

2) Continuity Errors - If this book was written before Episode 1 was released it would not be that big of a deal, but one of the characters talks about R2 units being created for use by the Imperial Military. Artoo existed well before the Empire was created.

3) Where did Artoo get this footage of Obi-Wan and Padme? From the movies it seems that Artoo stayed with Anakin and Threepio with Padme. This is a minor nitpick though not a biggie.

4) Plot points that seem like a computer game. I had no idea that Troy Denning was a Game designer until I read the part about Luke having to go on a quest to find a journal for the guy that supposedly invented something in Artoo. That part read just like a "go fetch" quest in a computer game that I flipped to the Author Information page to see if he did design games. This was too contrived for my tastes.

Again, basic plot and characterization was well-done, but these moments had me scratching my head and taking me out of the flow of the book.

One word, lackluster.......2007-05-04

So we just come off the greatness of the New Jedi Order, the Yuuzhan Vong are defeated and Ben Skywalker has been born. What does Lucas books give us? A trilogy that in concept could be absolutely huge! But due to poor writing in many places and an overall abundance of characters that are either unimaginative or frankly unacceptable to the universe (an ill-tempered ewok? That doesn't make any sense!) this trilogy falls into a three star category. The only saving grace is the character development. Jacen starts to seriously walk the double edged path to the dark side in this trilogy and begins to estrange himself from his sister. Read it if you're interested in the Legacy of the Force series otherwise stay away.

A So-So New Beginning.......2007-02-12

Troy Denning's The Joiner King is, at best, a so-so new beggining for the Star Wars universe. I will start with the positives. Denning is a reasonably good writer, and his chapters flow well, one to another. Further, I enjoyed the fact that Denning did not feel the need to add a scene for every major occurence. Some important events occured between chapters, and were only referenced after they happened. It allowed Denning to keep the page limit down a little and still keep a comprehensive story. Also, its nice to see the Yuuzhan Vong pushed to the background and see the story focus more on the after-effects of the war. The Planetary Reclamation Act was an interesting way to provide some minor political intrigue, and give Han and Leia something meaningful to do before getting involved with the whole Nest crisis. It is also nice to see focus shifting somewhat away from the original characters to the newer generation. I wont say its an even split, but about 40% of the book at least is devoted to the younger Jedi. Finally, Jacen's development is coming along well.

Unfortunately, that is where the positives end. The story is weird, and seems really stupid and unimportant compared to the terrible consequences of the Galactic Civil War. Also, very little actually happened in the novel. I understand that, since five years have passed (story-line wise) since the previous novel, Denning had to spend some time catching up. But as I said, the extent of the events was very minimal. The novel could easily have been half the length and contained at least as much story as it did. Aside from Jacen Solo's development, the character development of the other young Jedi, particularly Jaina was astonishingly poor. Jaina went from being a strong-minded and capable Jedi (if occasionally filling the damsel-in-distress role) to a weak, easily manipulated fool (who still played the damsel-in-distress half the time). The characters of Zekk, Lowbacca, Tahiri, etc. werent advanced at all. Denning may actually have taken a step back with Lowbacca and Zekk. Next, the plot line was, unfortunately, very predictable. The reader can guess who the leader of the Killik nest is within the first twenty pages of the book, which is then followed by about a hundred or so pages of discovering the leaders' identity.

There is potential in the Joiner King. If Denning can return Jaina to her previous role as the Sword of the Jedi and not some mindless little kid, the remaining two books in the series could work out well. But I see no reason to expect great things from the series. Those who enjoyed the New Jedi Order series may want to skip over the Dark Nest series and jump right into the Legacy of the Force series at this point. However it is important to note that the Dark Nest, more than anything, serves as background for the Legacy of the Force, so not having read the Dark Nest may lead to a good deal of confusion with future novels.

I can't decide..........2006-12-14

I can't decide if I should rate this book 5 or 1. So I averaged them and took 3. I think the "5" aspects of this book are: The Killiks are a great enemy not just some Vong-do-over. But I think the Killiks should be our ENEMY not our "nestmates". I also like how Denning portrayed the original trilogy characters. Another thing is Jacen. In the NJO series he was such an idiot. Now he seems to be filling his full potential (YAY!). Now for the bad points. And I mean the BAD ones. As in I-want-to-skip-this-chapter bad points. Jaina. What the h*** is she doing sharing minds with a bunch of bugs and a pathetic "Jedi" who is STILL pathetically in love with her. And what's with the "not working out" between Jaina and Jag? I'm sorry to say that I seemed to have missed the part when they "drifted apart" or couldn't "reconnect" after the war. It did not seem to me that they couldn't "reconnect" at the end of The Unified Force. Now Jaina is clicking and rubbing forearms (gross) with everyone she meets and it's going to be almost immpossible to have a relationship with anyone with that loser Zekk following her everywhere and finishing her sentences. Personaly, I don't think the younger Jedi Knights got enough attention and when they did, it sucked. Overall, the plot was really good but the factor that brought this book from a 5 to a 3 three was the whole Zekk-Jaina-Jag thing. I really hope the next books are better and Jaina can get her own mind back and maybe get back with Jag if Denning hasn't killed them off or turned them into insects yet.
P.s. did i happen to mention that I have the same feelings toward bugs as Han?
-Murl

dark nest i : the joiner king.......2006-08-11

the galaxy is picking up the pieces now that the yuuzhan vong have been subdued and that horrific war over. the new jedi order travel from conflict to conflict, serving as diplomat-police. at least, until they receive a strange call from the unknown regions. most answer, causing luke, mara, han and leia to follow them and discover a strange threat to the new peace.
the feel of the star wars galaxy seems to have shifted somewhat after the 'new jedi order' series. which is in no way a complaint. the characters have a sense of humour now, and (at least with those from the original trilogy) are becoming more relaxed in their old age. the new duo (jae the procedure-bound captain and tarfang the uppity ewok smuggler) provide laugh-out-loud antics without ever seeming ridiculous or totally out-of-place. the mystery of the nests is well expressed, especially in the apparently-never-happened blue bug attacks. yet, the novel ended in a way that made it seem to work just as well as a stand-alone adventure. the knowledge that there is a book ii is in the reader's mind, but there is no real impetus to look forward to that book.

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown

Average customer rating:

Theroux Travels to Africa
Not your average Theroux book...
Solid travel piece, made better by experience
Addressing issues too often ignored
An Excellent Read

Dark Star Safari: Overland from Cairo to Capetown
Paul Theroux
Manufacturer: Mariner Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Africa | Travel | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0618446877

Book Description

In Dark Star Safari the wittily observant and endearingly irascible Paul Theroux takes readers the length of Africa by rattletrap bus, dugout canoe, cattle truck, armed convoy, ferry, and train. In the course of his epic and enlightening journey, he endures danger, delay, and dismaying circumstances. Gauging the state of affairs, he talks to Africans, aid workers, missionaries, and tourists. What results is an insightful meditation on the history, politics, and beauty of Africa and its people, and "a vivid portrayal of the secret sweetness, the hidden vitality, and the long-patient hope that lies just beneath the surface" (Rocky Mountain News). In a new postscript, Theroux recounts the dramatic events of a return to Africa to visit Zimbabwe.

Customer Reviews:

Theroux Travels to Africa.......2007-08-26

Paul Theroux is, for me, an interesting and opinionated writer. His books are always tainted by his pessimism about the basic goodness n humanity. However, he is also masterful at evoking place and culture. Dark Star Safari is a prime example of both the good and the bad in Theroux's writing.

His pessimism is most pronounced in his hatred for the aid workers. Although I very much agree with his point that dependence on aid has the capacity to make people lazy and unresourceful, I very much believe that most of the people who try to deliver this aid and support the local population do so for very good and important reasons. These aid workers are not all scammers. After all Theroux looks back nostalgically at his time as a Peace Corp volunteer - and the Peace Corp was a means of delivering aid.

On the positive side, most of us have never visited eastern Africa and, most probably, never will. Theroux's writings help us to visit these places from the comfort of our own homes, which is a pure luxury. His descriptions, although sometimes a bit drawn out, are always vivid and bring the places to life for the reader.

Overall, this book is very typical of Theroux's writings. Its strengths are magnificent, but its weaknesses dull the edges and leave the reader somewhat dissatisfied.

Not your average Theroux book..........2007-08-09

Paul Theroux comes to most of his travel books as an outsider. Granted, he's an observant outsider, he does his homework and he reports well (though I find him a bit curmudgeonly or condescending at times), but he's still an outsider. His views of China, Patagonia or wherever are those of a Yank who hasn't lived there.

This book is different. He lived in Africa for several years in the 60s. He has feelings for it that one can't get from a brief visit, no matter how much homework one does. He knows it, if not as an African, about as well as a non-African can. He does things on returning that a visitor (even one with his sense of adventure) wouldn't do, meets people a visitor wouldn't meet, sees things that a visitor wouldn't see, and reacts to those things in ways a visitor wouldn't react. This makes the book more personal than any of his others. To me, this also made it more enjoyable.

I don't know if the pessimism he conveys is justified. His first stay was during an exciting time. The continent was emerging from the long colonial period and felt itself, perhaps justifiably, as full of potential. It was also during his own 20s, when anyone sees the world as full of potential. By comparison, any return trip today would have to be something of a letdown, since the reality of anything forty years later seldom matches what one felt its potential to be. It is hard to tell how much of his letdown is for this reason, how much for objective factors. Never having visited Africa myself (other than Morocco, briefly), I'm not in a position to make that call.

I'd recommend this book to Theroux fans, to armchair travelers who enjoy a good read, and to potential African travelers who can take his negativism with a grain of salt so it doesn't discourage them from the trip.

Solid travel piece, made better by experience.......2007-07-13

It was said of the French royalty that they had forgotten nothing and learned nothing. Well, Theroux the fresh-faced idealist returns to Africa, but some of the sheen is off. Rather like the Michael Palin slog through Africa in "Pole-to-Pole", you get the impression that Theroux suffers through this one a bit. Not the best vacation itinerary for gentlemen of a certain age, but he writes on manfully and the little stories and strange encounters alone make this worthwhile. Also interesting - the moment he visits the old school he taught at, now mostly reclaimed by the jungle, and when he almost blows up at the nouveau riche locals who suggest his American children should come out and volunteer to help, something their own children would never dream of doing.
I like this. Evocative cover, too.

Addressing issues too often ignored.......2007-05-23

In Harvard Professor David Landes book "The Wealth and Poverty of Nations" he points out that a trillion dollars in Aid has been spent in Africa over a couple of decades with little or less to see for it, in Zaire (Congo) the miles of road has shrunk, from 22,000 miles to 1500. To understand this it is necessary to read Paul Theroux book "Dark Star Safari". Theroux makes the case that many Africans have become addicted to Aid. Like other addicts, getting them off their addiction may mean some tough cold turkey, making the NGOs leave. The very important question Theroux poses for countries wishing to alleviate the suffering of this continent rich in natural resources is what will it take for Africans to realize that they have to help themselves, that may mean throwing out the corrupt elites who are kept in power indirectly by Aid workers keeping the poor on the threshold of survival.
Provocative book, a pastiche of impressions well worth reading and reflecting on.The Wealth and Poverty of Nations: Why Some Are So Rich and Some So Poor

An Excellent Read .......2007-04-20

Paul Theroux takes a sharp knife to political correctness and white Range Rover world of the NGOs with his simple and stark observations. He packs the reader in his luggage and takes her on a hot, lovely, frustrating and all together human journey. I've used this book as a travel guide to plan my trip for safety, interest and patience.

Return of the Dark Side (Star Wars: Last of the Jedi, Book 6)

Average customer rating:

Five Stars
Good Stepping Stone, though not the series' best
The adventure continues...
WARNING = this is a Kids book. Not a normal star wars novel
Can Watson go wrong?

Return of the Dark Side (Star Wars: Last of the Jedi, Book 6)
Jude Watson
Manufacturer: Scholastic
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439681391

Book Description

Ferus Olin's allegiance is to the Jedi. But when he's summoned to see the Emperor, the Sith Lord makes him an offer he can't refuse. If he can manage to prevent a planet from lunging into chaos, the Empire will spare ferus's capture friends. And if he doesn't- they'll die. Another heart-stopping Jedi adventure from bestselling author Jude Watson.

Customer Reviews:

Five Stars.......2007-08-07

Another excellent book in the Last of the Jedi series Ferus is still attempting to be a double agent pretending to work for the Emperor while at the same time still supporting his friends resisting the Empire. Ferus thinks he can handle it working this close to the dark side is a lot hard then he expects especially when Darth Vader wants him out of the picture while Ferus has no idea Vader was once his former rival at the Jedi Temple Anakin Skywalker but is attempting to figure out who Vader is. Their scenes are very exciting.

Good Stepping Stone, though not the series' best.......2007-06-14

Mild spoilers possible.

I read this book a week ago and can't remember much more than the general sense that I liked it. That's bad. But the story is necessary to set up book 7 of the series, so it's highly recommended you read it if you want to understand the next book (which BTW is great).

The price of freedom for Ferus Olin is collaboration with his personal enemy: the Empire. This necessarily puts a strain on things. Trever's all ready to help, but no one really trusts a kid, so he's taken matters into his own hands...that should be interesting.

The adventure continues..........2007-01-27

I love this series and can't wait for the next installment! The characters are great and have the 'feel' of the SW saga. Excellent premise for the events that happened after Order 66, how the surviving Jedi fared, how early steps of the rebellion began and the evolving of Darth Vader. Excellent!

WARNING = this is a Kids book. Not a normal star wars novel.......2007-01-24

WARNING = this is a Kids book. Not a normal star wars novel!

Can Watson go wrong?.......2006-12-26

This is yet another example of Watson's talent as a writer. Return is yet another execellent addition to the best Star Wars novel series of the year. Even though it is written for younger readers it out shines both the Dark Nest trilogy and the Legacy of the Force series now being released for adults by a mile. This book as well as the ones before are compelling and really draw you into the story no matter your age. I really wish Watson would write a full length Star Wars novel after this series is complete. You should buy and read this book as well as the rest of the series if you have not.

Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)

Average customer rating:

Great for action and fillers
...It had SO much promise...but ultimately left me disappointed
Can't go wrong with Star Wars
A classic case of false advertising...
A psychological and emotional journey towards the Dark Side

Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)
James Luceno
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345477332
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Book Description

Throughout the galaxy, it was believed that Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker–the Chosen One–had died on Coruscant during the siege of the Jedi Temple. And, to some extent, that was true. Anakin was dead.

From the site of Anakin Skywalker’s last stand–on the molten surface of the planet Mustafar, where he sought to destroy his friend and former master, Obi-Wan Kenobi–a fearsome specter in black has risen. Once the most powerful Knight ever known to the Jedi Order, he is now a disciple of the dark side, a lord of the dreaded Sith, and the avenging right hand of the galaxy’s ruthless new Emperor. Seduced, deranged, and destroyed by the machinations of the Dark Lord Sidious, Anakin Skywalker is dead . . . and Darth Vader lives.

Word of the events that created him–the Jedi Council’s failed mutiny against Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, the self-crowned Emperor’s retaliatory command to exterminate the Jedi Order, and Anakin’s massacre of his comrades and Masters in the Jedi Temple–has yet to reach all quarters. On the Outer Rim world of Murkhana, Jedi Masters Roan Shryne and Bol Chatak and Padawan Olee Starstone are leading a charge on a Separatist stronghold, unaware that the tide, red with Jedi blood, has turned suddenly against them.

When the three narrowly elude execution–and become the desperate prey in a hunt across space–it’s neither clone soldiers, nor the newly deployed stormtroopers, nor even the wrath of the power-hungry Emperor himself they must fear most. The deadliest threat rests in the hideously swift and lethal crimson lightsaber of Darth Vader–behind whose brooding mask lies a shattered heart, a poisoned soul, and a cunning, twisted mind hell-bent on vengeance.

For the handful of scattered Jedi, survival is imperative if the light side of the Force is to be protected and the galaxy somehow, someday reclaimed. Yet more important still is the well-being of the twin infants, Leia and Luke Skywalker, the children of Anakin and his doomed bride, Padmé Amidala. Separated after Padmé’s death, they must be made safe at all costs, lest the hope they represent for the future be turned to horror by the new Sith regime–and the unspeakable power of the dark side.

From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews:

Great for action and fillers.......2007-10-04

While this doesn't nearly stack up to other books in the EU, it kept my attention and left me wanting more Darth Vader stories. The action was good, but the plot was weak at times.

There need to be more stories about the Sith. This, Darth Bane, and Darth Maul are the only ones that have novels out (as of this writing).

Come on people! Let's hear more sith...

...It had SO much promise...but ultimately left me disappointed.......2007-09-27

Man I WANTED to like this book...and I guess it really was fairly well written, but as others have noted, where was the focus? Where does the story take us? Does the overall storyline ending with Revenge of the Sith and picking up years later in A New Hope move us forward--at ALL? The answer is simple: yes--but not by much.

One MAJOR complaint I have (as do others) is that even though the novel is titled, "Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader" he doesn't even make an appearance until around 50 pages in. What the...?? I am no editor, but shouldn't a novels MAIN character be present from almost page ONE? Okay, so it bugged me...let's move on.

While certain parts of the book VERY much reminded me of why Darth Vader really IS one of the greatest icon's of Evil fictional characters ever created, others were written almost like filler for other threads to follow or explore in more detail. I especially loved the inner struggle between Anakin and Darth (yes, strangely enough they really ARE like two different people) and thankfully Emperor Palpatine gives us plenty to chew on as he unlocks plenty of Sith training for Vader, and these sections are the entire reason why I gave this story more than the two stars it otherwise would have received. The scenes depicting the Emperor and Vader are SO well done that they seemed to be crafted by a team of great writers who all fully UNDERSTOOD the Dark Side of the Force. It seemed that virtually everything said by Palpatine was done EXACTLY the way I imagine they would and should have happened. These scenes alone are the single reason for buying this book (in MY opinion anyway).

So what was my overall impression? One of genuine disappointment. The idea of defining the details of the life of Vader from almost the moment he takes that first mechanically assisted breath within his new armored suit just seemed like a PERFECT story to tackle...and I imagine had it been written by someone who actually has serious talent for story plotting it would have and could have been one of the greatest stories in this long running franchise (think Timothy Zahn). But other than a few (and far between) sections that detailed the training between the Emperor and Vader (which seriously are awesome), I was just not all that impressed...and once again, I really wanted to be.

For the serious Star Wars fan, you simply cannot allow this one to go by. It really does help iron out a few isolated dangling threads left over from the 3 prequel films -- some of which you may not even realize are un-answered until you read the book. But overall, just being able to get inside that black helmet of Vaders is one real treat for the SW fans who can appreciate what a tortured individual Anakin has become. Hopefully this review helps.

Can't go wrong with Star Wars.......2007-09-17

I have yet to find a star wars book that I absolutely hated, and this book is not an exception to the rule. Whether I (or anyone else) tell you I hated or loved the book, it's not gonna change what you're gonna do. If you're a star wars fan that loves to see the movies continued through books, then you are going to read it (and you should!). If not, why are you reading reviews on these books anyway? Get a life :)

A classic case of false advertising..........2007-08-10

The publishers of this book obviously know what Star Wars fans like -- Vader. He has become a symbol of awesome evil for our fandom. His armor, his mask, even his ominous breathing have become synonymous with our favorite space saga. So when a book appears with Vader's face on the cover (twice!) and his name in the title, we immediately bite. After all, this book claims to fill in that crucial time between "Revenge of the Sith" and "A New Hope," and also claims to show his final development from Anakin to Vader.

Sadly, this book is a classic case of false advertising. For this book is not about Darth Vader, despite the lofty claims of the cover and dust jacket. Rather, it's about a weakened, whining Jedi Knight and the collection of ragtag fugitives and criminals he gathers, a group so flatly characterized that I couldn't even find the energy to care about a single one of them despite their hardships and losses.

One of the flaws of many Star Wars novels is that the authors focus more on their original characters than on the established characters -- as was the case of Shadow Hunter (Star Wars: Darth Maul) (though I forgive that book because the original characters actually had some depth and dynamics). In this case, the main original character stole so much of Vader's thunder that I didn't care when Vader finally killed him.

If you want a good piece of writing about Darth Vader, I would recommend seeking out a good piece of fanfiction rather than reading this book, which comes across as a mediocre piece of fanfic itself. I would also recommend instead Star Wars® Darth Bane Path of Destruction: A Novel of the Old Republic (Star Wars), which isn't about Vader but is still a much better read.

A psychological and emotional journey towards the Dark Side.......2007-08-07

With the blessing of George Lucas, author James Luceno takes his readers through Vaders psychological and emotional journey towards the acceptance of his new persona as well as his place within the Dark Side of the Force. Luceno focuses on details such as the limitations of Vaders body suit, a necessity brought forth by his defeat at the hands of his brother and old Master Obi-Wan Kenobi on Mustafar.

Other topics, such as the adjustment to his light saber technique to his very manner of walking are also discussed. Star Wars: Dark Lord - The Rise of Darth Vader is a tale of ascension wherein Darth Vader, consumed by anger and hate, regains his lost confidence as well as his resolve in the Dark Side.

Star Wars: Dark Lord - The Rise of Darth Vader answers a lot of questions left behind by Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith. So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy today!

Dark Encounters (Star Wars: A Long Time Ago..., Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Marvels Ignorance and You
Classic Marvel Star Wars
Solid Improvement
Green Rabbits and Cyborg Bounty Hunters...

Dark Encounters (Star Wars: A Long Time Ago..., Book 2)
Various
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: 1569717850

Book Description

Star Wars: A Long Time Ago... features classic Star Wars stories not seen in over twenty years! Originally printed by Marvel Comics, these stories have been re-colored using today's computer technology, giving "old" work a fresh face. Volume 2 collects issues of the original Marvel run and contains such riveting classics as "Crucible" and the unforgettable "What Ever Happened to Jabba the Hut?"

Customer Reviews:

Marvels Ignorance and You.......2006-09-10

Like the name of the review suggests dont let Marvels ignorance of Star Wars hinder your purchase of this item. Based on what we know now of Star Wars the stories in this volume will seem kind of strange and a tad weak. Truthfully there are a quite a few really good stories in this volume, including the Clone Wars Obi-Wan story that is included. Its pretty cool to read a story made in '78 about events that we finally saw and read about today (The Clone Wars).
Another great story but very strange is the introduction of Jabba the HuT (yes one T) For any Star Wars fan it should be interesting how Jabba the Hutt had evolved to the slug we see in ROTJ. In this one he is anyting but what we expected hes a Humanoid with tusks. Hes rich and he even has underlings that do his dirty buisness and its kind of cool to see him in such a light.

This is a must read collection for any true Star Wars fan

Classic Marvel Star Wars.......2004-02-03

I read the first volume in this series, "Doomworld," and enjoyed it, but thought it was a bit corny and too cartoonish in places. I was surprised and pleased that the comics got much better with time.

A good portion of this set of 19 comics revolves around the Tagge family, who generally opposes Darth Vader, but also opposes the rebellion. Baron Tagge even hopes to supplant Darth Vader himself, though we know where such schemes end. In "Doom Mission," we find Baron Tagge has created a space station within the stormy atmosphere of the gas giant Yavin where Tie fighters launch attacks against the rebel base on the fourth moon. This story is quite creative with how Baron Tagge created the space station, how it was discovered and how it was eventually attacked.

There are quite a few creative moments in the various stories. In a series of three stories, "The Jawa Express," "Saber Clash," and "Thunder in the Stars," we see the Tagge family test and implement an interesting device that freezes anything between implanted towers. The Tagge family uses this device as a weapon against rebel forces.

In one of the most creative stories, "Riders in the Void," we find Luke and Leia have jumped into the void between galaxies. In one of the emptiest places in the universe Luke and Leia discover a unique, organic space ship with only one inhabitant, who is marginally insane. The ship and its inhabitant have an interesting and unique history, and there are moments when I wondered how Luke and Leia were going to escape.

Creature creation was similarly unique and better than in the first 20 comics of "Doomworld." In "The Long Hunt/A Duel of Eagles" we meet the winged people of Skye. In "Cavern of the Crawling Death" we learn about stone mites that destroy everything they contact as they eat it.

There are a few departures from the Star Wars universe as we know it today that are forgivable given that the second two Star Wars movies had yet to be released. We see a Jabba the Hut very different from the slug-like creature we came to know and loathe. We also see the continuing romance between Luke and Leia, though we also know that they are brother and sister. Yet, the general tone of the stories fits well within the Star Wars universe, and the astute reader can see some of the substantial creativity yet to come.

If you read "Doomworld" and liked it, you'll find that "Dark Encounters" is substantially better and more interesting. The quality of the stories is still lower than the general caliber of the Dark Horse stories, but some of them are very creative and interesting. For those readers that look back fondly on memories of comics from the 60s and 70s, these are the types of stories that you remember well. Enjoy!

Solid Improvement.......2003-09-20

3.5 stars actually.

The artwork, and the plotting improves dramatically in this second collection of Marvel stories. Unlike most of the first collection, these stories mostly feel like they could take place in the Star Wars universe and are viable adventures that the heroes could have had before The Empire Strikes Back.

Still though, they are not stellar work by any means, merely solid. In retrospect, due to the authors not knowing where George Lucas was going, some of the things you see cause some cognitive dissonance. No fault of the authors, but it is still jarring to see things you know are untrue.

Decent artwork, and stories in a rather large collection make this a worthwhile collection if you'd like to read a sort of slightly altered universe of what the Star Wars characters did between the movies.

Green Rabbits and Cyborg Bounty Hunters..........2002-07-22

I've just ordered the reprint trade paperback reprints of these Marvel books. I remember reading and re-reading all of these "beyond the movie" adventures when I was a kid. It was just such an incredible charge to see what Luke, Han, and company were doing between the movies. Water worlds, gambling satellites, Darth Vader learning the name of the Death Star's destroyer(a nice plot device), the blocky artwork and awkward poses of Carmine Infantino artwork, wondering WHY these adventurers NEVER changed their clothes as they NEVER seemed to make their way back to Yavin Base after their Flash Gordon-esque side-adventures... Oh, and we can't forget that Obi-Wan Jedi story with the droid 68RKO (which were the call letters of a radio station if I'm not mistaken)...They really DID capture the imagination. Hopefully, Dark Horse will get around to publishing a VOLUME 3 because therein lie the BEST Marvel STAR WARS tales. But these first two will take you to a Long Time Ago in a Decade Not Far Away Enough--The Seventies. You'll see the pop-cultural impact of the first wave of STAR WARS mania, in many ways as endearingly cheesy as that Thanksgiving Holiday special. If you remember these, you will LOVE them all over again...if you don't, then prepare to be mightily entertained, whether you like comics, STAR WARS, or pop-culture in general. These books definitely belong on your shelf...

Dark Warning (Star Wars: The Last of the Jedi, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

Dark Warning(Star Wars:The Last of the Jedi, Book 2)
I can't get enough!
A Thrilling and Exciting Novel
Obi-Wan Kenobi,Ferus Olin,and Garen Mulin
Cooper Lewis' review.

Dark Warning (Star Wars: The Last of the Jedi, Book 2)
Jude Watson
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439681359

Book Description

Obi-Wan Kenobi faces another threat in the time after Episode III.

Customer Reviews:

Dark Warning(Star Wars:The Last of the Jedi, Book 2).......2007-02-19

This book and its prequel are great. I am 40 and life long sci-fi reader and this was a very enjoyable series. They have the same reading level as The hobbit but just short and compact. To make these true adult books you would just combine two or three into one volume. I am addicted I have ordered the rest in the series and cannot wait to read more. They should make them into movies.

I can't get enough!.......2006-04-09

I must say, for being a children's book, this series has got me hooked! Ms. Watson has definitely done it again. Her story draws the ready in so deep you won't be able to put it down. In this book we get to rescue a lost Jedi Master on the planet of Ilum. Here you get a first person's view of the kind of "trials" a Jedi apprentice experiences. The imagery used is very stunning and could be "felt" at times. I enjoyed this story so much. You won't be disappointed!

A Thrilling and Exciting Novel.......2006-02-15

Dark Warnings
Last of the Jedi #2
-by Jude Watson

The Story
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ferus Olin have just reunited after the Great Jedi Purge. Ferus Olin, a former Jedi apprentice, is trying to return to the Jedi path. Obi-Wan Kenobi wishes to return to his exile on Tatooine as soon as possible. Trever, a stow-away aboard their ship, wants to stay with them but gets annoyed when they offer him a way to leave.

There is a deep rift between Obi-Wan and Ferus. Ferus wants Obi-Wan to be truthful and to stay with him, but Obi-Wan knows he has to go back to Tatooine. Obi-Wan witholds the knowledge of Luke's and Leia's births from Ferus, which makes Ferus angry.

On their quest, they meet new friends, Raina and Toma, and find an unknown and unmapped asteroid. There is where Ferus plans to make a base for surviving Jedi. Obi-Wan and Ferus discover from their new friends that a Jedi is in the Caves of Ilum, a place where the Jedi construct their own lightsabres. Ferus and Trever rush off to find this Jedi, Garen Muln, leaving Raina and Toma to take care of the asteroid base.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan goes - to Ferus's great disliking - to stop the investigation of Malorum, an inquisitor of the evil and powerful empire. He wants Luke's and Leia's births to remain secret. He ends up killing one inquisitor, which hopefully makes his secret more safe.

While constructing his own lightsabre, Ferus finds Garen Muln and narrowly escapes with him and Trever. Reunited with Obi-Wan again, they bring the fragile and malnourished Garen to the asteroid. Raina makes a makeshift hospital to help Garen recover.

Obi-Wan leaves Ferus back to his exile on Tatooine. An angry Ferus leaves only with Trever to go in search of another Jedi who is rumored to be held as a prisoner on Coruscant. Obi-Wan now on Tatooine is mentally ready for the training his old master promised to give him.

Recommendations
I'd recommend this book to anyone, young or old. Make sure you read the first Last of the Jedi book intially, so you can find the sequel thrilling and exciting. I gave it four stars because at times Obi-Wan's thoughts were very boring;however, make sure you put this on your list of books to read.

Obi-Wan Kenobi,Ferus Olin,and Garen Mulin.......2006-01-02

This book is about Obi-Wan and Ferus.But Ferus has to go to the caves of Illum and concer his fears to get a lightsaber and crystals. Meanwhile Impirial Inquisitors to search Palis Massa were Luke and Leia were born. Ferus also has to battle stormtroopers and weird creachers. Obi-Wan goes to Palis Massa to delay the search.

Cooper Lewis' review........2005-12-01

I read The Last of the Jedi #2 : Dark Warning.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a former Jedi Master of the old Republic. He is secretive and doesn't use his lightsaber unless completely neccessary. Aslo, he doesn't like to endanger himself too much.

Ferus Olin is a former Jedi Apprentice. He would do whatever it takes to bring down the empire. His Force connection is a little weak because he hasn't used it in a while.

In the book, Obi-Wan and Ferus learn that another Jedi is still a live- Garen Muln. Garen is hiding in the caves of Illum where Jedi go to face their greatest fears and to get the crystals for their lightsabers. Meanwhile, Imperial Inquisitors are searching Palis Massa, where Padme gave birth to Luke and Leia! So, Ferus goes to Illum to get Garen and lightsasber crystals, and Obi-Wan goes to Palis Massa to stall the search. Ferus battles gundarks, his fears, and a fleet of Stormmtroopers to get Garen and the crystals. While stalling, The Inquisitor finds Obi-wan found out and the Inquisitor gets killed running away.

The setting of the book is Illum and Palis Massa. The time is after Episode 3.

The theme is bravery.

I liked it because it was very climactic.

Yoda - Dark Rendezvous (Star Wars: Clone Wars Novel)

Average customer rating:

Five Stars
Interesting story line
Yoda is not really the main character
One of the best
Excellent all around

Yoda - Dark Rendezvous (Star Wars: Clone Wars Novel)
Sean Stewart
Manufacturer: Del Ray
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0345463099
Release Date: 2004-11-23

Book Description

As the Clone Wars rage, Jedi Master Yoda must once again face one of his greatest adversaries: Count Dooku. . . .

The savage Clone Wars have forced the Republic to the edge of collapse. During the height of the battle, on Jedi Knight escapes the carnage to deliver a message to Yoda on Coruscant. It appears that Dooku wants peace and demands a rendezvous. Chances are slim that the treacherous Count is sincere but, with a million lives at stake, Yoda has no choice.

The meeting will take place on Djun, a planet steeped in evil. The challenge could not be more difficult. Can Yoda win back his once promising pupil from the dark side or will Count Dooku unleash his sinister forces against his former mentor? Either way, Yoda is sure of one thing: This battle will be one of the fiercest he’ll ever face.

Customer Reviews:

Five Stars.......2007-08-07

A great Clone Wars book. We got to learn more about Yoda which is always interesting. Count Dooku has requested a meeting with Yoda. Although Yoda knows its most likely a trap he decides to meet Dooku anyways because Yoda thinks it might put an end to the war. Its was very interesting as Yoda reflected on his former padawan which is very interesting. You have to wonder what a master would think and reflect on a padawan who ends up taking the wrong path despite all of the training. Dooku also takes the time to reflect on moments from his Jedi pasted which gives us an insight into Dooku and perhaps what lead him to the Dark Side of the Force. We also get more of a veiw inside the Jedi Temple which I enjoyed and a sense of how overwelhemed the Jedi are with Jedi masters fighting in the war or dying this is leaving a void for the padawans for their are far too many padawans and not enough masters. We got to meet Scout a Jedi who has a limited amount of the Force in her. This was an interesting twist as most of the Jedi we read about are very strong in the Force. Scout's worried that her limited connection in the Force will leave her to be a Jedi washout. I enjoyed reading about her. The same with Whie a padawan who's been having dreams of being killed by a Jedi. We of course know this is Anakin's future raid of the Jedi Temple when he turns to the dark side. I found it very interesting that a padawan was actually having a premontion of Anakin's future Sith deeds as we see in Revenge of the Sith Whie will be seen being killed on the security hologram. But to Whie this must mean he his evil because he can't think of any other reason why a Jedi would be trying to kill him. It also raises the question that if Whie had told someone else could anything had been changed? Could the Jedi Purge had been prevented? We'll probably never know the answers.
Scout and Whie go with Yoda and their masters in order to sneak Yoda out of the Temple and off Courscant without anyone finding out. The meeting between Yoda and Dooku was predictable after all Dooku can't be saved but it was still very good.

Interesting story line.......2007-05-31

I really enjoyed the story line. It fleshed out a lot of Yoda history that we've never encountered before. It also made Count Dokue (sp??) more human by providing an interesting back story.

This book is a good quick read. One of the better of the recent Star Wars books. It's not spectacular or overly deep but it is entertaining.

Yoda is not really the main character.......2007-05-22

Yes, Yoda is featured heavily, both in his training role in the Jedi Temple and also as he takes action in leading some padawans without masters through the adventure. And a fairly strong attempt was made to portray Yoda as both the wise master saddened by the harsh realities of war and also as the mischevious little green elf who tests Luke's patience in The Empire Strikes Back.

But like a lot of Star Wars novel, author pride doesn't allow them to just create new supporting characters, they have to feature their own creations as main protagonists, in this case a couple of padawans. Obi-Wan and Anakin are barely present at the end of this book.

And even though this novel shows Yoda's only confrontation with Count Dooku since Attack of the Clones, I still came away disapointed that it was over so briefly. Another Yoda/Dooku fight cut short.

Overall this novel wasn't a bad book. I guess I can accept this as canon, but it is simple not an exciting part of canon. But this is yet another author's entry into the Star Wars Expanded Universe, and not extremely relevant to the film saga.

Instead of this book, I highly recommend the following 5-star novel to fans of the movies:

Labyrinth of Evil (Star Wars, Episode III Prequel Novel)

One of the best.......2007-02-07

Hands down, the best Star Wars novel from the Clone Wars era. The added information about Dooku and his relationship with Yoda is crucial to understand his turn into the darkness. And, unlike most Star Wars novel, there is actually an elegance to the writing in this novel that simply isn't present in most others. The bad part---or, shall I say, the dark side?---is that, after reading this one, my standards have been much higher for other Star Wars novels ... and most of them, while enjoyable, simply haven't delivered.

Excellent all around.......2007-01-05

I was very pleasantly surprised by this novel. Having read a couple of slower-paced Star Wars novels, I was beginning to despair of finding one that was really well-written, but this one had it all: good characterization, action, writing. An all around winner. Highly recommended.

Dark Tide I: Onslaught (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

The New Jedi Order marches on
Overall a pleaser for those who love the Star Wars characters
Onslaught of the galaxy!!
#2
Awesome, once again

Dark Tide I: Onslaught (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 2)
Michael A. Stackpole
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0345428544
Release Date: 2000-02-01

Amazon.com

The Jedi are back and ready to rumble in Dark Tide 1: Onslaught, the second book to appear in Del Rey's five-year New Jedi Order story arc, which picks up events 25 years after A New Hope. Reading R.A. Salvatore's Vector Prime first--while not necessary (and some fans even recommend against it)--will help enormously in understanding the alien threat facing the New Republic, the sinister Yuuzhan Vong. The Jedi, under the now truly formidable Luke, must rise to beat back the biotech-wielding invaders, and we really get to see the Solo kids and good ol' Corran Horn shine. Lando and especially Han get short shrift (that's probably just as well in this new series), but Luke and Mara still manage to get a whole lot of lovin' going on. This is excellent work by the ever popular Stackpole (Rogue Squadron). --Paul Hughes

Book Description

In this epic of unsurpassed action and imagination, Michael Stackpole helps to launch an exciting new era in Star Wars® history. ONSLAUGHT pits the battle-tested heroes of the past--Luke Skywalker, Han Solo, and Leia Organa Solo--along with the next generation of Jedi and droids, against fearsome never-before-encountered enemies from beyond the galactic rim . . .

It is a perilous time for the New Republic. Just when unity is needed most, mistrust is on the rise. Even the Jedi feel the strain, as rogue elements rebel against Luke's leadership. When alien invaders known as the Yunnan Vong strike without warning, the New Republic is thrown on the defensive. Merciless warriors, the Yunnan Vong glory in torture. Their technology is as strange as it is deadly. Most ominous of all, they are impervious to the Force.

Now Luke must wield all the awesome powers of a Jedi Master to defeat the gravest threat since Darth Vader. As Leia and Gavin Darklighter lead desperate refugees in a fighting retreat from Yunnan Vong forces, Mara Jade, Anakin, Jacen, and Corran Horn find themselves tested as never before by a faceless, implacable foe determined to smother the light of the New Republic forever beneath a shroud of darkest evil . . .

Customer Reviews:

The New Jedi Order marches on.......2007-08-24

Onslaught is the first book in Michael Stackpole's Dark Tide duology, and the second book overall in the New Jedi Order saga. Picking up where Vector Prime (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 1) left off, Onslaught finds the technology-hating and pain-obsessed Yuuzhan Vong continuing their invasion of the Outer Rim planets. The New Republic politicians would rather scheme and debate rather than meet this challenge head-on, so it's up to the Jedi and Rogue Squadron to try and repel the Vong invasion.

Stackpole's previous Star Wars experience was with the excellent X-Wing Rogue Squadron series, so key characters like Corran Horn and Gavin Darklighter play key roles in Onslaught, as do Luke and Mara Skywalker and the Solo children, who are finally starting to emerge from their parents' shadows. The author also places plenty of emphasis on the ground and especially air battles, which is in keeping with his X-Wing background.

While this chapter in the New Jedi Order is relatively free of casualties, the mood is still very grim. The Yuuzhan Vong invasion has tested our heroes to the limit, and this is only the beginning. The book suffers from two real flaws. One is that we really aren't given any insight into the Vong that we didn't get from Vector Prime until the epilogue. The other, and this is something that shows up often in Stackpole's work, is that his characters tend to say things that nobody - in any galaxy - would ever say out loud. I'm all for characters that are introspective and seek to learn new things about themselves and their place in the grand scheme of things, but that kind of stuff should be thought, not spoken in every casual conversation. I found myself wondering whether these Jedi Knights were preparing for battle or a group therapy session!

Those gripes aside, Stackpole does a decent job of moving the series forward, and since I'm on my third trip through the series I know that the story improves greatly in Dark Tide II: Ruin (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 3).

Overall a pleaser for those who love the Star Wars characters.......2006-09-04

I m a very big fan of the NJO, and I thought this book was one of the best. It dived into a whole new world, still being only the 2nd book in the series. You also get to know many character on a more personal level. Characters such as Mara Jade, Anakin, and Jacen. And if you are like me, and find intense battle scenes too complicated to follow, this bok makes it a little simpler, but still delivering a well thought-out and realistic battle.

Overall, this book was a pleaser on both emotional levels and action sequences. Very well written! Five Stars!

Onslaught of the galaxy!!.......2006-08-22

alright, so im back and I promised no spoilers before and will continue to do so. I have just finished onslaught and what did I think of it??? First off id rather give it 4 and a half stars. It was a good storyline overall. It simply wasnt gripping enough until about halfway through the novel, though the exposition to help set things up really needed to be there. Some of it felt disjointed to me, the narrative. Just when you thought you knew where it should go, it went another way and left holes leaving you wondering what happened. The last 100 pages were fantastic. I loved that. It wasnt as developed as vector prime was, not as detailed. It did move along though like one of the films would, brief scenes meant to move the story along at a fast clip. I also like where they are taking the Solo children in their development as characters. As far as I am concerned this is their coming of age story and thats where I am most intrigued to see where it is headed. Overall, it does make me wanna keep going so that is a good thing. Stay tuned for my review of book 3 Dark Tide II- Ruin

#2.......2006-03-14

luke skywalker teaches jacen colo in the force now.luke spent this book rescuing those closest to him.mara teaches anakan a little also but is really jainas master.when no one coyld effectively handle the vong,anakan bested 2.like certain other anakans he was very strong in the force.the vong actualy grow thier ships they are so opposed to tech.the ships can produce black hole shields which the good guys find very frustrating.danni-the scientist that 1st discovered the vong works with anakan to stop the vong.also a couple of rogue squadrons best rejoin them.the clones/storm troopers are good again.lots of action!a real page turner!

Awesome, once again.......2006-02-06

I have just finished the book. I am now on Dark Tide 2. I thought Dark Tide 1 was awesome. It continued the adventures of all the caracters, adding new characters. The book starts out almost right after Vector Prime. I thought the ending was awesome: with all the slaves attacking on dantooine. So over all not a bad book in NJO. Lots of Action,Lightsabers, and overall a good plot line. I would reccomend this book to any star wars fan.

The Unseen Queen (Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

joiner king trilogy
dark nest ii : the unseen queen
Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 2
Another terrific storyline
Good sequel

The Unseen Queen (Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 2)
Troy Denning
Manufacturer: Del Rey
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 034546303X
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Book Description

The epic Star Wars odyssey enters a new frontier as the heroes of the New Jedi Order confront a monstrous evil–insidious, unseen, and insatiable. . . .

Despite being given new worlds to populate, the insectoid Killiks have not found peace. An unknown enemy has been attacking the new nests–and the Killiks hold the Jedi responsible. Traveling back to the Unknown Regions to unravel the mystery, the Skywalkers and Solos discover an evil far more familiar than they ever expected . . . and even more terrifying. Why does the Dark Nest want to kill Mara? Will Jacen’s apocalyptic vision trigger another galactic war or prevent one? And perhaps most ominous of all, what deadly secret are the Killiks hiding?

To find out, Luke, Mara, Han, and Leia must embark on a perilous journey into the uncharted void between right and wrong. The ferocious Unknown Terrors are only the beginning of the awesome challenges that lie ahead in their quest to fathom the unfathomable. For an obscure dispute is about to explode into chaos, pitting Jedi against Jedi–and threatening the very galaxy itself.

Customer Reviews:

joiner king trilogy.......2007-08-30

how can ANYONE say that the joiner king trilogy is anything other than disappointing?? obviously, most readers of these books have never read most or all of the previous novels, like i have. i've read them all. these books were gross, and the bugs were gross, and the authors have made jaina out to be an idiot. i gave this final book one star because i had to put in something. the whole set of three are not really any good.

dark nest ii : the unseen queen.......2006-08-11

set a year after 'the joiner king', leia is in the midst of her jedi training, luke is faced with a fragmenting order and han is forced to worry more about his children, who are still part of the nests. secrets are uncovered and more mysteries thrown down to the reader as the situation prepares to erupt on a galactic scale.
the jedi order seems on the verge of splintering in this volume, and the reasons are all unfortunately highlighted through the story. the younger knights, amongst them jaina and jacen, all act incredibly arrogantly (jacen especially), as do some of the masters. saba sebatyne's constant belittling of leia's non-jedi abilities seems nothing more than being deliberately obstructionist. yet jae and tarfang still provide much-needed relief, and the ending, set among an exciting space battle, certainly sets the scene for the trilogy's final installment.

Star Wars: Dark Nest, Book 2.......2006-02-25

It is a Star Wars novel. If you are just starting reading the novels, I would not start here, otherwise, read on. If you are srarting, I would go with Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn and go form there. You will here the score in the background, it is that good.

Another terrific storyline.......2006-02-17

I love this continuation of the adventures of Luke, Leia, Han, and their offspring. I like they are starting to link these characters to Anakin, Padme, and Obi Wan in Episodes I-III. I look forward to reading about these characters as they reach old age.

Good sequel.......2006-02-10

If you liked The Joiner King, you'll like The Unseen Queen. Similar in quality to The Joiner King (see my review), it continues to have some of the same benefits (ie. good sense of mystery/intrigue) and some of the same problems (ie. less than satisfying treatment of the "foundation" characters).

On plot points, the development of Leia as a Jedi is an "about-time" for many Star Wars fans. And the interaction between Jacen Solo and Queen Mother Tenel Ka is compelling.

This trilogy is a must read for Star Wars fans, who are getting the first opportunities to see Luke & Leia reactions (and their friends and family) to new information on the fate of their parents, which we discovered in the recent Episode 3 movie, and is only now being revealed to the OT characters by R2-D2.

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