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

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!

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (Prima Official Game Guide)

Average customer rating:

Helpful
Brand New
Useful to children
KOTOR II (prima official game guide)
Indispensible Guide.

Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic II: The Sith Lords (Prima Official Game Guide)
David Hodgson
Manufacturer: Prima Games
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0761547487
Release Date: 2004-12-21

Book Description

You are the Republic's only hope . . . or biggest threat.
·Detailed stats, equipment, and ability descriptions for all party members
·Covers all main allies and foes
·Exhaustive Jedi Mastery helps you master each Jedi class
·Detailed maps for every planet and location
·Construct the ultimate weapon and armor kits with our expert workbench tips
·All Secret Powers unearthed!
·All Jedi Party Members Revealed!
·The best ranged and melee weapons combat tested and approved!

Customer Reviews:

Helpful.......2007-10-02

I wanted the one for the PC , but this one would have do just fine. very helpful

Brand New.......2007-09-15

The game guide was in excellent condition, brand new even though it was no longer in print, and the poster was in brand new condition as well. It arrived quickly and the family is now enjoying it!

Useful to children.......2007-08-25

While this strategy guide can come in handy when you can't do the math for the computer puzzles, it fails to give an accurate description of where and what do to and see. The character guides and information is weak and often useless. If you played through the game once, the guide offers no additional use in changing your gameplay.

KOTOR II (prima official game guide).......2007-02-20

great. tells you all the tip and take advantage of all the character.

Indispensible Guide........2006-02-22

This guide was a HUGE help for me while playing the game. It provides a walkthrough with tips on how to defeat tough opponents, a guide to all items, and information on how to gain/lose influence with your party members, and what conversation choices will affect your Force alignment. I found this review to be a great help, although it's definitely not a necessity.

Dark Lords of the Sith (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Volume Two)

Average customer rating:

The Best of the Jedi
A Great Star Wars Comic
A great book!
ok
I THINK I CAN

Dark Lords of the Sith (Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi, Volume Two)
Tom Veitch , Kevin J. Anderson , Chris Gossett , and Art Wetherell
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1569710953

Book Description

In the depths of galactic space, a foolish and arrogant young Jedi awakes an ancient, deadly power. This seductive evil will lead him down a path that will make him a Dark Lord of the Sith, and his darkling power will make the very galaxies tremble.

Customer Reviews:

The Best of the Jedi.......2007-09-06

This is the best of the Tales of the Jedi series. Before you read it, you should at least read the first volume, titled simply Tales of the Jedi (sometimes with the subtitle Knights of the Old Republic, but that name now belongs to a video game series and a new monthly comic). It would also be good to read the short TotJ: The Freedon Nadd Uprising. The Golden Age of the Sith and the Fall of the Sith Empire predate this volume in the story chronology, but aren't necessary for understanding Dark Lords. (In fact, they should probably be avoided.)

Why is this the best? Veitch and Anderson's writing plays off each other, presenting the best of each and compensating for their weaknesses. The art in the first five chapters is fantastic, as are Dave Dorman's covers. The early TotJ stories have just enough implied backstory to hint at the larger world but it never leaves the reader confused. Korriban is one of my favorite Star Wars locations, and it was created here in crisp detail with millennia of history only hinted at.

What is lacking? The art in the sixth chapter is not so hot. The narration can be a bit comic-booky. Veitch was not involved in the subsequent volumes of TotJ, which are hit-and-miss. The Sith War is ultimately disappointing, but the Redemption of Ulic Qel-Droma was a fine coda to the series.

A Great Star Wars Comic.......2006-12-23

Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith is the best Star Wars comic. It details how Exar Kun and Ulic Qel-Droma join the Dark Side. My favorite parts are when Exar battled Master Vodo, Sylvar, Crado and Ulic. The writing and art in issue 6 are terrible. Cay Qel-Droma talks like a hillbilly in issue 6. He says things like, "Me an' Toq are usin' the Force to hold him." The art detierorated as the story progessed. The first issues had great art. Those are the only flaws. I recommend all the Tales of the Jedi series.

A great book!.......2005-11-08

This interesting book is the second book in the Knights of the Old Republic series. The series is a collection of graphic novels that takes the reader to the Old Republic, thousands of years before the events of The Phantom Menace.

In this graphic novel we are introduced to Exar Kun, a Jedi whose fascination with the ancient Sith teachings is leading him towards the dark-side. Also, with the ascension of a pair of Sith magicians to the throne of The Empress Teta system, the Republic is moving towards war. Ulic Qel-Droma thinks that he can destroy the menace single-handed, and avoid a bloody showdown between the Sith and the Republic, but what will be the cost?

My twelve-year-old son is a big Star Wars fan, and he picked up this series so that he could keep on learning about the Star Wars universe. Overall, we found this to be a great book. The illustration work is very good, and the story is gripping. We enjoyed the action and the many different creatures and races that are the hallmark of Star Wars.

Yep, we both enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to you. We highly recommend the entire Tales of the Jedi series!

ok.......2005-05-18

probably the best of the tales of the jedi dark horse comics. exar kun makes this series, but the art is terrible and the story in all the TOTJ bland as a whole.

I THINK I CAN.......2003-07-22

I am reviewing Tales of the Jedi Dark Lords of the Sith, ISBN: 1569710953 A TPB comic published Feb 1996 covering individuals issues 1 through 6 of the Dark Horse comic series Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi - Dark Lords of the Sith written by Tom Veitch and KJA. It has the same Hugh Fleming cover as the comic shown in Amazon as Titan books ISBN 1840231297 published nov 1999.

The Art and coloring are still the older style and get about 2.5. the story, as Tom Veitch tells us is intended to reflect what was revealed in Holocrons that are discovered 1,000's of years later. In particular, they foreshadow what happens to Luke Skywalker in dark empire. This is an intense and serious contribution to the star wars Galaxy, and my version is over 100 pages. I think it is worthwhile, and I did like it better the second time I read it, especially if you later read the Jedi Academy Book Trilogy by Kevin J Anderson, I Jedi and Dark Empire by Dark Horse.

There is also an audio tape version of this comic that is a complete dramatization, rather than just a reading; I am reviewing Audio book ISBN: 1565111990 - In short, the dramatization format can be hard to follow at times, but I thought that overall they did a good job - 3 stars.

Average customer rating:

Hilarity ensues

The Taming of Lord Astor

Great

Tamed by Madigan

wonderful historical romance
The Taming of Lord Astor (Five Star Expressions) (Five Star Expressions)
Molly Madigan
Manufacturer: Five Star (ME)
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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A Most Unsuitable Groom (The Beckets of Romney Marsh)

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ASIN: 1594145725

Customer Reviews:

Hilarity ensues.......2007-05-12

I read a lot of romance novels and am always looking for new authors and plots. Madigan is a fresh new writer with a unique plot and sense of humor. I couldn't put Taming down! I was exceedingly impressed with this new writer and hope that she writes another book soon. I have been telling all of my romance reading friends to pick up Madigan's book.

The Taming of Lord Astor.......2007-03-09

Fantastic reading, this book is very well written and was a pleasure to read. The story line held you in suspense until the finish. Excellent Book, I can not wait to read Molly Madigan's next novel.

Great.......2007-02-20

Couldn't put it down until it was over. I thoroughly enjoyed it. The romance was lovely, but the plot was exceptional... politics, murder, sexual taboo. The stuff of all great novels. I want a follow-up with more Aunt Hen!

Tamed by Madigan .......2007-02-11

Having never picked up a romance novel before, I went into Madigan's book with a fair amount of skepticism. From page one, however, any concern shifted to enthrallment, as I became immersed in a new, fantastic world. Madigan has produced a rare gem in protagonist Tilly - a hired man tamer of the first order. Both men and women will derive pleasure from Tilly's exploits.

Surprise ending to boot. You can't go wrong here.

Hopefully Madigan reads these notes because I've started holding my breath, waiting for her next work.

wonderful historical romance.......2007-02-03

In 1874 Lady Adelaide Astor hires relationship expert Miss Tilly Leighton to help model her brother Jaiden into the right man for his fiancée Clara Haversham. Tilly meets Jaiden in his library when he catches her sneaking around in a room that was previously locked. She brazens her way out of the situation with an explanation that leaves the former Scotland Yard investigator amazed and fascinated.

Jaiden's former apprentice turned Chief Inspector Daniel Sheldon arrives asking for advice as he has made no progress on the "missing wives" case; each was married to an SOB and vanished without trace leaving behind their personal values like jewelry. Jaiden offers nothing while Tilly notices the attraction between her client and the detective so she plans to help it along. As Tilly and Jaiden fall in love, he wonders about her nocturnal activities especially with some unknown assailant trying to harm her.

Tilly is such a unique protagonist that Victorian romance fans will want to follow her exploits while she tames Lord Astor. Her profile of the male animal is wonderful and accurate (don't tell my husband I wrote that). The story line is a fast-paced gender war between a cerebral strategist and what she considers her inferior, a man who enjoys her exploits. Molly Madigan provides an entertaining fun tale that also contains a serious undertone involving spousal abuse.

Harriet Klausner

Lords of the Sky (Star Wars (Random House Paperback))

Average customer rating:

Excellent stand alone novel
In a Word, Lousy
A solid and powerful piece of fantasy storytelliing
Movie Time
Very well written, but...

Lords of the Sky (Star Wars (Random House Paperback))
Angus Wells
Manufacturer: Spectra
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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Dark Magic (The Godwars, Book 2)

ASIN: 0553572660
Release Date: 1995-10-06

Book Description

Angus Wells carved a place for himself on the shelves of hundreds of thousands of fantasy readers. Now, with Lords Of The Sky, it is clear that he has saved his most sweeping and imaginative tale for an epic more powerful than anything he has written before. For centuries, the Dhar have had to face the Ahn, fierce warriors who would lay claim to Dharbek, the land they call their ancestral home. Now, in fantastic airships powered by magic, the Ahn have begun their greatest campaign yet. In preparation for the coming onslaught, Storymen like Daviot travel the land collecting tales and sharing the history it's their responsibility to safeguard. But Daviot's travels show him the dark side of Dharbek, and inspire him to be a catalyst for change, to overcome doubt and fear, and pursue the one dream that has eluded Dharbek. Using his special gifts for storytelling and world-building, Angus Wells reaches new heights with a story as ambitious as it is broad in scope. Lords Of The Sky has all the action, adventure and magic a fantasy-lover could desire, and tackles social change, prejudice, the value of genuine friendship and the power of enduring love.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent stand alone novel.......2004-08-06

When I started this book I didn't think I was going to like it. It wasn't bad or anything but it was moving at a slow pace early on and I was itching to read some other authors books that I had on my shelf. I am glad I didn't put this one down. It is told almost entirely in first person and while that sometimes doesn't work, I feel this book wouldn't have worked if it wasn't told that way. It is also a stand alone fantasy novel and that originally turned me off as well as I have often found fantasy novels work best in a series form where we truly get to know the world we are reading and the characters.

But this one was wonderfully descriptive and had suprising depth. I truly liked the characters and the idea of the main hero of the storyteller not being a warrior, wizard or a Knight but a Storyteller was intriguing. The storytellers are known in the book as a Rememberer or a Mnemonikos, and it is a prestigious rank as they can never forget anything. I found it original and not boring in the least as there was plenty of action to go around.

Again this book does start off a bit slow in the sense that you don't really feel any attachment or interest in the main characters until about 60-100 pages in. Or maybe it was just me. But either way, once I got into the book I could not put it down. I recommend this book highly.

In a Word, Lousy.......2003-04-25

As a rule, whenever the main character's horse has more personality than the main character, you know you have problems. There isn't anything that is glaringly wrong with "Lords of the Sky", but there isn't much that's right with it either. The story is one that any fantasy fan must know by heart. We start with a young boy named Daviot who lives in a quaint seaside village and knows that his people are threatened by sinister invaders known as the "Sky Lords". Daviot soon learns that he has great magical powers, and leaves to be tutored in a foreign city, falls in love with a beautiful woman, makes friends and allies, and learns 'surprising' facts about the history of his people. Will he and his band of friends be able to unlock the necessary secrets in time to save his homeland from destruction? I won't give away the ending. Angus Wells, on the other hand, isn't so conscientious. He drops blatantly obvious clues almost from the start of the book, so any discerning reader will find it easy to predict not only how the book will end, but also exactly where the heroes will go and what they will do at almost every step along the way.

The writing is generally weak, with too much repetition and emphasis on mannerisms rather than character development. The main character often feels his throat being clogged several times on the same page, and people's faces turn red more times than I can count. There are many occasions where characters spout dialogue for several pages on end without any attempt to make it sound like real human interaction. Description is nothing special, and the concluding sequences don't come close to having the narrative power that they should have. Wells makes the distracting choice of telling some of the story in the first person, but unnecessarily shifting to other viewpoints whenever he grows tired of his main character.

It is to the author's misfortune that I picked up this work shortly after finishing Robin Hobb's Farseer Trilogy, a series of books with a similar plot but vastly superior implementation. Hobb masterfully blended elements of courtly intrigue into her story, but the few mentions of political manipulations in "Lords of the Sky" feel tacked-on. Hobb gave her cast of characters a variety of original and frightening magical talents, but Wells' wizards are limited to old standbys like enhanced memory and shooting bolts of fire. Most importantly, Hobb actually went into the minds of her characters while Wells is content to stick with stock characters and clichés. I wouldn't deem "Lords of the Sky" to be the worst book I've ever read, but we're undergoing a golden age of high fantasy right now, and there's no reason for fans of the genre to content themselves with mediocre work like this.

A solid and powerful piece of fantasy storytelliing.......2002-05-21

Recently the fantasy bug, that comes and goes, has bitten me again. Not wanting to make the commitment to a series, I picked up Lords of the Sky. All in all I was very pleased. As has been stated by nearly every other reviewer, Lords of the Sky, by Angus Wells, is very well written. That is to say the writing style flows well, is colorful, poetic and romantic. The characters - Daviot the Storyteller, Rwan the Mage, Urt the "changed" servant turned leader and Tezdal, the warrior (male, female, male, male, respectively) - are immediately appealing, interesting and identifiable. The reader gets to know them quickly and intimately. Things are explained well and not just taken as is. You feel for these people and their rich chronicles. It has every aspect and characteristic of a great fantasy epic except for one key element; It's only one book. A long book (650 pages), but one book. If one is going to spend so many, many pages establishing characters and histories - in an engaging and exciting way, mind you - than one should spend at least a decent amount of time bringing all of these pieces to closure. At the end of the book there is a lot of telling about what happens and a less amount of showing what happens. Wells spends the last 15% of the book closing the first 85%, and it ended up being a little, just a little, rushed. Still, all questions are answered. No loose ends. It has all the potential of a Stephen Donaldson or a Robert Jordan series. In defense of Angus Wells, he did mention in his closing notes that the book was originally longer and that his editor had him chop it up a good amount. Perhaps she should have let him keep it the length he wanted to write it. Also there was a jolting change of point-of-view segue right in the middle of the book. We read through the main character's eyes - Daviot - when suddenly the storyline changes. We need to know this new information, yes, but Wells completely stops one to start the other. There are no back and forth chapters, which I myself prefer. There is 300 pages of this POV, then there is about 100 pages of that POV. Fortunately the storylines converge perfectly. Finally the main characters, at the end of the book - characters we've grown to care for - go through a major, and rather de-humanizing change. In all the best books characters do change, but it's along the lines of "something lost, something gained." In Lords of the Sky, the characters, at the end, gain much, but they loose much more; they lose what drew us to them for the first 500 or so pages. With all this said, I still HIGHLY recommend this book. It's intense, deep, powerful and resonant of excellent storytelling.

Movie Time.......2002-01-01

Lords of the Sky is one of the best books I've ever read. It's what made me fall in love with fantasy books and I honestly think it's time to make this book into a movie so everybody may enjoy this wonderful story.

Very well written, but..........2001-03-16

The book is very great, and invokes all sorts of emotions. This is one of those books where the romance is pretty decent ( in a fantasy type of way of course). Surely beats the romance from his Exiles Saga where the girl Flysse is too stubborn in her ways, and the gentleman Arcole becomes all meek! Matter of fact, this book was very well paced compared to Exiles. Made you keep reading, and I didn't think there was really any too slow parts, and this is probably one of the very few books in teh fantasy genre that is well written in the 1st person.

You can read from other reviews what this book is about so I am not really going to comment on that. Very well written and all, the only thing that could've worked out better is the actual "behavior" of the characters and the things they do. I.E. The fact that the authority figure from each race would meekly submit after so many centuries of fixed hatred and opinions is pushing a little. But even more than that, the concept of means and end is little backwards.

The author seems to think that peace can be won from total destruction of concentration of power that oppose them, not to mention innocent slaughtered for this same peace. I understand fantasy is beyond this world, but since they're about humans, the author should at least follow the same value system we have present in our current world. Learn from our own history to know that what he is proposing won't work (i.e. Germany after the end of World War I).

Book Description

Why have The Lord of The Rings, Star Wars, the Harry Potter stories, and other tales of heroic fantasy, been so phenomenally successful in the present apparently cynical and disillusioned age? Colebatch argues that the popularity of these works shows the real health of our culture to be more robust than we sometimes believe, and confirms the centrality of "traditional" values which "progressive" thinkers have often disparaged or overlooked.

In advancing this argument, the author also seeks to entertain the many readers who love these works, and to open to them some new vistas of understanding.

Download Description

Customer Reviews:

Informative, illuminating, but repetitive........2005-11-20

It is a testament to my own naivete that I neither knew nor could even imagine anyone not loving LOTR, Star Wars, and the Harry Potter series. Colebatch has done all of us a great service by revealing the radical Left's antipathy to these heroic stories. His main thesis is that since the end of the Cold War, cultural conflict has become more important than political conflict. The ideological struggles of the past are now replaced by efforts to use the arts to radically reshape society via a concerted and sustained attack on traditional Western values in virtually every area of life, including art, literature, ethics, religion & personal relationships. All of which explains the radical Left's hostility to LOTR, et al. That these stories are enormously popular signify strong popular dissent from the moral relativism and nihilism of the cultural elites.

I have two minor criticisms of this book. The first is that it is repetitive: Colebatch repeats himself from chapter to chapter; his book could have used a good editor. The second is that the subtitle of the book is deceptive, in that there is very little on Harry Potter.

still waiting for the heroes to return.......2005-05-19

As a fan of Tolkein, Star Wars, and Harry Potter and one who has appreciated a number of analytic treatments of their themes in relation to culture and society, I was expecting something a little different. Perhaps a more accurate title might have been "Defending the Heroes: Debating Critics of Tolkein and Star Wars, with a Little Harry Potter Thrown in."

The larger portion of the book consists of the author cataloging an extensive list of negative criticisms and in turn criticizing the critics for their method and mood. Granted, his arguments make a lot of sense. But there is much less positive treatment of heroic themes and their potential validity and usefulness in modern society, and much repetitive groaning about how mistaken the critics are.

Not only that, the subtitle suggests that three different series will be treated in the book. In fact, Harry Potter is mentioned only briefly, a few times, almost as if his inclusion were meant to capitalize on his current popularity. For the amount of space devoted to Harry Potter themes, he could just as easily (and more accurately) have been excluded from the title. I found this to be misleading.

Stimulating and delightful.......2003-08-29

This is a splendidly stimulating, thought-provoking, slyly humorous and delightful book. The author analyses these great tales from a number of original perspectives and what he concludes is optimistic about the state of our culture and society. His language is easy to read and his great learning, while obvious, is never obtrusive or heavy. To aborb this book is to absorb a political, social and literary education in a fascinating way. All who love The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars and Harry Potter should buy this book for its insights. It will deepn your appreciation of these great tales and of others in the same tradtion.

The triumphant return...........2003-08-27

When I first read Hal Colebatch's original discussion paper on this topic (from the early 1990's), I knew I had found a kindred spirit. I found it by putting "Star Wars" and "LOTR" into a library catalogue. I was amazed to find that someone had put the two together in a scholarly work, and I was pleased to discover that it was an intelligent, erudite and remarkably coherent piece of writing that crystallised many of my own feelings that had never had an outlet before. Colebatch has completely revised and updated his original paper so that it stands alone as an excellent academic book on western culture, focussed through the prism of heroic literature and film. This new edition includes material on Harry Potter, as well as a more thorough analysis of the works of Tolkien and Lucas. I thoroughly recommend it to any lovers of heroic fiction, english students and Tolkien/Lucas enthusiasts. Colebatch is a very well-read author with his own output of poetry and sci-fi, and his vast knowledge has been brought to bear on important topics, ensuring that this book is a milestone in literary criticism. You do not have to be a dry academic to enjoy this one; you just have to have a love of reading.

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi : Dark Lords of the Sith/Audio Cassettes

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Artwork's Better, Story's Okay, But Overall: Still Lacking
A great book and a fitting end to a great series!
Finally!!!!, A great story on Audio CD
good art
Redemption is something Anderson will never find.

Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi : Dark Lords of the Sith/Audio Cassettes
Kevin J. Anderson , and Tom Veitch
Manufacturer: Time Warner Audiobooks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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ASIN: 1570422982

Book Description

Ten years after the Sith War, the Dark Lord of the Sith's chief lieutenant, Ulic Qel-Droma has been stripped of his Force powers and has isolated himself in a distant corner of the galaxy, trying to escape from a life he would rather forget. But his past is about to catch up with him as he is tracked down by Vima, the daughter of Nomi Sunrider, the woman who blinded Ulic to the Force. Vima seeks a teacher and Ulic sees in her a chance at redemption. Unfortunately, Vima's disappearance draws attention, and the search party sent to look for her includes a vicious Jedi seeking revenge upon Ulic for killing her mate.

Customer Reviews:

Artwork's Better, Story's Okay, But Overall: Still Lacking.......2006-08-14

This out of print and ultra-rare graphic novel, 'Tales of the Jedi: Redemption', is in my opinion a step forward from the previous 'Tales of the Jedi' (TOTJ from here on) storylines/graphic novels in terms of artwork. Actually, a step forward is incorrect: the artwork has progressed by leaps and bounds! However, as is usual with Star Wars, the storyline is the same ol', same ol' with little to offer readers and newcomers (although SW nuts and fanatics would eat this up, or anything George Lucas does for that matter).

One of my grumblings with this one is the writing style of the plot via Kevin Anderson. For some reason, Anderson's dialogue always feels rushed to me. While comics are not real life, a good creative team is able to force the reader to suspend their disbelief through an intriguing storyline, lucid dialogue, and beautiful colors. From panel to panel, a good artist knows which poses and facial expressions to put in each one to give the mind the illusion of continuous movement on, what are otherwise, stagnant frames on a page.

Normally, in terms of dialogue, the transition from panel A to panel B is a fluid motion; however under Anderson's writing, the action expressed via dialogue from panel A to panel B feels more like panels A, B, C, and D squeezed into two, A and B, thus giving the impression of a "rushed" feeling gleaned from Anderson's too fast-paced writing. The story in 'Redemption' literally goes by in one big blur, not ever really giving you a chance to focus on any one situation, develop any characters, or become situated with one area. (The latter, "planet-hopping", has always been a staple of Star Wars and while the oodles of worlds makes the SW Universe seem eternally vast, a negative side to this is you never really get to take in everything of one particular place because everyone's always moving around.)

As I mentioned earlier, the storyline found in 'Redemption' is the same old SW formula: a talented but arrogant and overzealous Jedi falls to the dark side (this time, Ulic Qel-Droma), commits evil acts, and later has the internal desire to redeem themselves. The Jedi archetype - a basically good person does evil but becomes good again - worked once, but any more than that and it becomes boring, stale, and...well...dumb. (SEE: The overuse of the `twin archetype' in Star Wars, e.g. Luke/Leia, Jacen/Jaina, Gav/Jori, etc.) If you're a Star Wars junkie, you'll eat this tasteless, drab, substanceless drivel up, but truly, if you've seen/read one SW movie/comic/novel, you've seen/read `em all really. How many ways can you flip the same formula without it getting monotonous?

While the story isn't great, it's slightly enjoyable if you have about half an hour to kill (the graphic novel is five issues long). However, some parts are laughingly far-fetched and unrealistic. For instance, the Jedi knight Nomi Sunrider (yes another cheesy SW archetype: the legendary surname; e.g. Sun-Rider/Sky-Walker...it worked once guys, not again.) fails to train her only daughter Vima because she's so caught up in politics (ooo exciting). Hmmm...okay, what about all the other Jedi knights that could've trained her, including the weird Jedi rhino-ankylosaurus Thon (who is supposed be close to Nomi because her husaband Andur was supposed to train under Thon)? And I just shook my head at the way Nomi and Cathar let the space pirate Hoggon get away at the end...weren't you guys going to chase him down or something??!?!?

While I thought Nomi sucked, Tott Doneeta's character was flat, Vima was basically an Anakin prototype in the form of a girl, and Ulic's flat dialogue got boring at times, I did think the cameo made by the Arkanian Jedi Master Arca was nice; actually, I think Arca's pretty darn cool (he looks like a character from WarCraft or something).

Like I said, if you have time to kill or are between graphic novels, this one'll serve as "filler reading". It's not very good but enjoyable under average circumstances. This is the only TOTJ graphic novel that had artwork worth paying attention to which probably makes up a small percentage of what the overall plot lacks. As this title is rare and out of print, it's not cheap, so in my opinion, I don't think it's worth spending your hard earned dollars on. Luckily, I found it in the comic section of my local library and saved some money.

A great book and a fitting end to a great series!.......2006-02-17

This interesting book is the final book in the Knights of the Old Republic series. The series is a collection of graphic novels that takes the reader to the Old Republic, thousands of years before the events of The Phantom Menace.

This graphic novel brings the story to its conclusion. Ulic Qel-Droma is a broken man, blinded to the Force, and exiled from everything he has known or loved. But, Ulic's past is catching up with him. Nomi Sunrider's daughter, Vima, is looking for something missing in her life, and thinks that Ulic might just have it. And, Sylvar, mate of Crado, is looking for Ulic to gain the revenge that will allow her to release her hate. Ulic has walked a long hard road, and he has learned a thing or two...

My twelve-year-old son is a big Star Wars fan, and he picked up this series so that he could keep on learning about the Star Wars universe. Overall, we found this to be a great book, and a fitting end to a great series. The illustration work is very good, and the story is gripping. We enjoyed the action and the many different creatures and races that are the hallmark of Star Wars.

Yep, we both enjoyed this book, and highly recommend it to you. We highly recommend the entire Tales of the Jedi series!

Finally!!!!, A great story on Audio CD.......2005-06-22

Star Wars Tales of the Jedi is finally out on audio CD it tells the story of the jedi knights 4000 years before Star Wars Episode 4. Star Wars Tales of the Jedi & Star Wars Tales of the Jedi: Dark Lords of the Sith are a must read. These stories are heavily referred to when playing Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic & Star Wars Knights of the Old Republic 2: The Sith Lords. This is a great story to listen to and sounds even better on audio CD, I'm glad the publisher released it to audio CD this no doubt is a timeless classic.

good art.......2005-05-18

this features the best looking art in the tales of the jedi dark horse books, but like the others the story isn't really that great. blah

Redemption is something Anderson will never find........2003-10-10

I am a person that loved the old Tales of the Jedi Saga. Originally Started by Tom Veitch, It was a Series ripe with Character, heart, action, and the certain charm that the jedi mythology is known for, all writtem magnificently well. In the Beginning tales of the Jedi was Dark Horses Flagship Star Wars Series. It was a Golden Age.

Then Tom Veitch made a horrible mistake. That mistake was Working with Kevin J Anderson, to create a Villan that would Appear in Andersons Novels, and in the TOTJ Series; Exar Kun. The Villan was one of the favorites in Star Wars expanded universe, but working with anderson meant that Veitch would have to allow Anderson to write the later half of the 12 issue series revolving around Exar Kuns rise to power from Jedi student to Sith Lord. From that Point onward, Thanks to Andersons horrid writing and complete dirth of talent, the TOTJ series started a downward spiral. Andersons Assault and the TOTJ series started with the Sith war, a lackluster story compared to the magnificent Dark Lord Of the Sith Prequal that set it up... Then Anderson Continued to obliterate this once grand series with Golden Age Of the Sith, and Fall Of The Sith Empire. This, was Andersons last chance to revive the series, why they didnt just ask Veitch to write it, I dont know. But this is the last TOTJ story that has been, and likely will ever be published. The Breathtaking and grand saga that Tom Veitch Began, was destroyed by a force darker then any Sith Lord or Dark Jedi; Kevin J Anderson has MUCH to answer for.

In all honesty, for most of this story, it seemed as though Anderson was on the right track. Ulic Found that during a near death experiance, in which he was welcoming death, he had a jedi vision from his dead master. Which should have been impossible, seeing as how his jedi powers were supposed to be sealed. This gave Ulic hope, and purpose to continue living, later... The daughter of the woman he once loved, Vima, showed up asking him to train her in the Jedi arts. Why him, well its a contrived plot point, but Nomi was supposedly too busy As a Jedi to train her daughter, and the other 5000 jedi that were around at the time were busy doing stuff to, or so would Anderson have you beleive. But despite the hideous amount of Plot Contrivance, including Andersons most hideous attempt at a romantic pairing yet, he did manage to create some decent story telling for once... Ulic finds peace with the force, forgive for his crimes, a place back amongst his former comrades, and potentially a way to feel the force once again... Until in the last pages he is shot in the back and killed by a smuggler wanting to be known as the man who killed Ulic Qel Droma, and runs back to the bar to tell his friends. *IM NOT KIDDING*

I dont know what Anderson was smoking at the time, but the thought that this is a suitable way to end Ulics tale of Redemption was just plain Idiocy. In the prior Stories, Ulic had been poisoned by Sith Chemicals, been driven mad by the murder of his master, Disowned the jedi and his lover in his madness, fought and murdered his own brother, and had his Jedi powers sealed by the very woman that once loved him. If he was meant to die, there could have been a thousand more suitable deaths then just to be shot in the back by a unnamed piece of Bar Trash. In the Ten years since he was punished by Nomi Sunrider, his life was one of isolation, and dedication. such a death, is as pointless and meaningless as it is contrived, and a slap in the face of the fans that were looking for The Tales of the Jedi Series to return to its former greatness.

Book Description

Darth Vader was a Dark Lord of the Sith—now discover the terror of the Dark Lords who preceded him in this stunning sequel to Star Wars: Tales of the Jedi. Ulic Qel-Dromoa and Nomi Sunrider are young Jedi Knights drawn into a battle for the survival of the Old Republic. But as the power of the evil Sith spreads across the galaxy, it threatens the existence of the Jedi themselves, and draws one of their greatest allies over to the dark side!

Customer Reviews:

YOU CAN FIND THIS UNDER A DIFFERENT NUMBER.......2003-06-26

Some Times Dark horse makes it tough to figure out which comic is which. If you are looking for the early sith - Jedi comics try this one: Paperback: 160 pages ; Dimensions (in inches): 0.34 x 10.18 x 6.67
* Publisher: Dark Horse Comics; (April 1996)
* ISBN: 1569710953

Book Of The Stars 2: The Mystery Of Lord Sha (Book Of The Stars)

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Book Of The Stars 2: The Mystery Of Lord Sha (Book Of The Stars)
Erik L'homme
Manufacturer: Scholastic Paperbacks
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0439650739

Book Description

Robin Penmarch has escaped the dark forces of the Uncertain World, and is back in the monastery where he studies magic. But there is a traitor in the Guild, and before long, Master Quadehar is falsely accused. Robin is determined to prove his teacher's innocence. Meanwhile, the mysterious Lord Sha has somehow infiltrated the monastery. What might the Lord's connection be to the stolen Book of Stars, which holds the secrets to bringing peace to the Worlds? Together with his friends, Robin goes in search of the truth. But he must prepare to face the greatest dangers of his life.

Faith Journey Through Fantasy Lands: A Christian Dialogue With Harry Potter, Star Wars, and the Lord of the Rings

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A Review Of Faith Journey Through Fantasy Lands
Excellent!

Faith Journey Through Fantasy Lands: A Christian Dialogue With Harry Potter, Star Wars, and the Lord of the Rings
Russell W. Dalton
Manufacturer: Augsburg Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0806645717

Book Description

Christians have always engaged the world around them and reflected upon the connections between faith and culture. Faith Journey through Fantasy Lands engages popular culture in the hugely successful stories of Harry Potter, Star Wars, and The Lord of the Rings. Author Dalton guides the reader through these contemporary fantasy stories, illuminating them with light from the Christian faith journey. The book opens doors to faith-sharing, particularly with young people, while also taking on the issues within the stories that have led some Christians to reject them.

Customer Reviews:

A Review Of Faith Journey Through Fantasy Lands.......2007-03-10

Few discussions will provoke opinions among believers as heated as whether or not Christians ought to enjoy works of popular fantasy.

On the one hand, some claim believers should avoid these realms of the imagination. On the other, there are those Christians so desperate to justify their interest with a veneer of spirituality that they try to establish one to one correlations between these entertaining stories and Holy Scripture.

"Faith Journey Through Fantasy Lands: A Christian Dialogue With Harry Potter, Star Wars & Lord Of The Rings" by Russell Dalton endeavors to provide a balance between these competing outlooks.

While highlighting the parts of these works that appeal to enduring values, Dalton also admits that neither are these stories themselves Scripture. Rather, he writes, "This book takes an approach that goes beyond a `thumbs up' or `thumbs down' evaluation of fiction and film. It gives the reader a chance to reflect whether or not the behaviors and beliefs of the characters in today's fantasy stories are consistent with the Christian faith, but it also looks at the questions these stories demand of our faith by entering into a dialogue between these fantasy stories and the Christians story (7)."

Rather than condemn The Lord Of The Rings, Star Wars, or even Harry Potter, "Faith Journey Through Fantasy Lands" prudently counsels that the problems that arise in reference to these stories often lie not so much in the stories themselves but in those that read them. For example, most that read Harry Potter are not going to end up sacrificing goats or taking oaths of unending allegiance to Satan. Thus, Dalton suggests, parents must decide for themselves how much exposure to Star Wars, Harry Potter, and The Lord Of The Rings their children should receive.

Though for the most part balanced in his approach, the reader will no doubt detect a hint of political correctness seeping into Dalton's exposition. For example, he does not use the phrase "Kingdom of God" but rather "The Reign Of God." Likewise, Dalton does not refer to Jesus as "the Son of Man" but rather as "the Son of Humanity".

Dalton also gets all maudlin that the characters in these stories are primarily White. But since Middle Earth is said to correspond to some kind of pre-historic Europe and Hogwarts is a British alchemical school, what does he expect?

If Aragorn had had such vacillating attitudes, Sauron would have still been ruling over Middle Earth by the end of the third film.

Even if one disagrees with the conclusions drawn by "Faith Journey Through Fantasy Lands", one has to admit Dalton approaches the issue in an overall even handed manner carefully respecting the opinions on each side.

by Frederick Meekins

Excellent!.......2003-10-12

This is an excellent analysis of a most important modern "miracle" - the religious reasons behond the huge success of these epic tales of high romance in a culture that too often seems fixated on the squalid. I would recommend to go with it Hal GP Colebatch's "Return of the heroes: The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, Harry Potter and Social Conflict." This is a literay, political, historical and religious study, full of information and insight. The two books go together to make essential reading for the culturally literate in the 21st Century.

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