Star Wars: Darth Plagueis Book Review

Star Wars: Darth Plagueis was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, James Luceno. This novel marks the first story in the Rise of the Empire Era. It takes place around 67 to 32 years before A New Hope.

SUMMARY

Hego Damask, head of Damask Holdings, which is a financial institute closely affiliated with the Muun’s Intergalactic Banking Clan, is secretly the Sith, Darth Plagueis. Plagueis uses his company to produce more wealth, which, in turn brings him exotic resources and political gain. Darth Plagueis is scheming to fulfill the Sith’s grand plan… to conquer the galaxy.

The Sith have remained in the shadows for far too long, the plan to rule is a massive undertaking. One cannot simply take control of the galaxy with pure ferocity and power. However, with strict strategic measures, it could be taken through political means. Darth Plagueis knows he cannot fulfill this task alone. He seeks out his apprentice, specifically one with political potential. When he stumbles upon a young and defiant Palpatine on Naboo, he takes him under his wing to mold the boy to his liking, and fulfill the Sith’s grand plan.

CHARACTERS

Darth Plagueis: In his public life, the Muun is known to others as Magister Hego Damask. He is wealthy, smart, and hungry for power. His wisdom in the dark side of the force tames his patience. He understands that in order for the Sith to conquer the galaxy they must forfeit their physical prowess and be successful in the affairs of politics. The transfer of power from the republic to the Sith is one of his goals, but his obsession with cheating death is his primary objective, but ironically… ultimately, it is his undoing.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

Luceno’s word structure, or prose, is incredible. The descriptions are extremely vivid. The visuals he produces really stand out from the pages, making this book one of the most descriptive books I’ve read in the Expanded Universe. The story is so ominous, and it gives incredible insight as to how the Sith have failed in the past and how they succeeded in their quest to rule the galaxy.

With a title like Plagueis, I assumed the book would have been a bio of sorts, on where the Sith had come from… his history. Of course his name is mentioned in Revenge of the Sith so the book could have just been some shallow tale about some old Sith who was killed by his apprentice. I was wrong. The book actually covers a lot of Hego Damask’s life but also, so much of Palpatine’s raising. This book could have been titled “Sidious.” But, this story really shines light on the genius and arrogance of Darth Plagueis.

The book is loaded with tons of Sith lore, it’s so cool. The relationship between Plagueis and Sidious is full of distrust, but, that’s just the way of the Sith, they constantly test each other. The apprentice needs the master, and the master needs an apprentice that desires power, and has the drive to accomplish the grand plan. Sidious learns of Plagueis’s secret experiments of prolonging life long after he’d already been taken on as apprentice after Plagueis suffers a bad injury, which keeps the suspense and tension at a heightened level for the reader. Sidious is surprised by his masters obsession.

Plagueis says to Sidious, “Together, we are the new born stars that complete the Sith constellation.” I absolutely love how the plan to overtake the Republic unfolds, Plagueis and Sidious are master manipulators and warriors. Learning the details of Dooku and Maul adds so much more to their story, giving these shallow characters from the film so much depth. Maul was was trained as a warrior, to be the violent tool in the Sith’s back pocket when they need him. Plaguies and Sidious are on a completely different level in relation to Maul. It’s odd that Sidious would choose him to be his apprentice. It’s not that Maul isn’t intelligent, but he has no political knowledge. He is strictly focused on brute force, craving action immediately, rather than patiently.

Palpatine see’s the obsession that Plagueis has with prolonging his life. The shifting of Republic affairs has become a burden for him alone. This really goes to show how deceptive and powerful Palpatine truly is. This book is a must read for Star Wars fans. If you’ve never read a Star Wars book… if you’ve never read an Expanded Universe book, this novel is the perfect example of how awesome media tie in material can be. Darth Pagueis should be required reading for any Star Wars fan.

So, do I recommend that you read Darth Plagueis? Yes! An excellent introduction of the Sith in a new era.

RATING

I will give this book an A+. It’s a wonderful telling of Palpatine’s introduction to darkness and power and delivers an incredible insight of who Darth Plagueis was.

World of Warcraft: Sylvanas Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

World of Warcraft: Sylvanas

World of Warcraft: Sylvanas was written by New York Times Best-Selling Author, Christie Golden. The book was published by Del Rey and serves a media tie-in novel to Blizzard’s World of Warcraft game. This story takes place after the novel, Shadow’s Rising.

SUMMARY: Sylvanas Windrunner reflects on her life, from childhood all the way up to current day (in game). We follow her down the light and dark paths she took throughout her life, exposing the devastating details as to how and why she came to be so fierce. Sylvanas meets The Jailor in a place called the Maw. He reveals to Sylvanas that the afterlife is corrupt and unjust; that it needs to be transformed. If Sylvanas allies with The Jailer, together they can rebuild the afterlife to bring fairness and justice to the souls of not just Azeroth, but the universe.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: This book is packed with excellent character development, it has an entertaining plot, it’s loaded with emotion, and it’s tragic. It’s got all the elements needed to be a great World of Warcraft fantasy story.

This book has such an emotional story! Christie Golden managed to bring a tear to my eye a few times with this wonderfully tragic tale. Sylvanas Windrunner suffered great loss throughout her life, but her biggest flaw was her pride. She was forced into a life she did not want, being reborn to a world of chaos and endless pain, once she became the Banshee Queen. It was easy to feel sympathy for Sylvanas; but when she broke through her bondage to walk a new path, her swollen pride and eagerness for revenge, kept her enslaved to darkness.

Christie Golden explored the early life of Sylvanas Windrunner, and she did an outstanding job penning the family dynamic in the Windrunner household. Each character is unique; the love between them felt so authentic! I really enjoyed reading the backstory of the youthful Sylvanas and the times she had with her family; she had such a strong bond with her younger brother. The introduction of a man named Nathanos and how the relationship with Sylvanas came to be, was also written very well.

Christie Golden always does a wonderful job giving excellent descriptions. However, there are some elements in the story that I felt needed more explanation, such as the outcome of certain characters and events. I turned to web, browsing to see if some of these missing elements were found in other stories or videos published by Blizzard, some were.

I no longer play World of Warcraft, so I’m happy Blizzard has a YouTube channel with many videos that are highly entertaining and informative. The channel really is a helpful resource. World of Warcraft also has good sized library of short stories, comics, and books, which are a great substitute to spending hours in front of a screen playing the game.

RATING: This book receives a B+. Had more gaps been filled in to explain what happens to specific characters and event for non-gamers, I would have given the story an A+.

Star Wars: Kenobi Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: Kenobi Review

Star Wars: Kenobi was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, John Jackson Miller. This novel takes place in the Rise of the Empire era, following the events of Revenge of the Sith, about 19 years before the battle of Yavin.

SUMMARY

After the fall of the Republic and the dismantling of the Jedi Order, Obi-Wan Kenobi has taken Anakin & Padme’s infant son, Luke Skywalker, to Tatooine. On this outer-rim world, the boy may be out of the Empire’s reach. Her, Kenobi must keep out of trouble and try to to bring little to no attention to himself.

Tusken Raiders roam the desert. They view the settlers in the Jundland Wastes as a parasites that needed to be removed. One leader, A’yark, is determined to rid the land of these disgusting creatures. This particular Tusken stands out among the rest, and is known to the settlers, as Plug Eye. The Tusken Raiders would often attack settlements and homes in the desert, looting resources they found useful. The people in the area had created the Settler’s Call, an alert system that would bring the people together to go out and defend the victims of the Tusken Raiders.

In this tale, the Settler’s in the Pika Oasis, must defend their lives and lively hood. Trouble seems to follow a new stranger that strolls into the Oasis. Can this newcomer be trusted? Or is the stranger the root of all the settlers problems?

CHARACTERS

John Jackson Miller created new characters that were truly worth investing in.

Annileen Calwell runs a little shop, Dannar’s Claim, out in the Pika Oasis. Widowed, she’s got two kids to raise on her own, ages 16 and 17. Her husband passed away nearly 8 years prior to this tale. However, she isn’t truly alone. Her deceased husband’s best friend, Orrin, is still around and does a pretty good job of keeping an eye out for the family and many others around the area. Annileen does her best to raise her kids up right and has a pretty good sense of humor. She’s very protective of her kids and her property.

A’yark, the Tusken leader is irritated and saddened by the fact that the tribal people are diminishing. A’yark is cautions and intelligent, able to speak some words in basic. This character’s past is full of tragedy and loss, giving A’yark the wisdom needed to lead other Tusken Raiders.

Kenobi, is adjusting to life outside of the Jedi Order. His new life mission is to stay hidden, and keep watch over the boy he hopes will truly bring balance to the force, the son of Anakin Skywalker. He’s cautious of everything, which is wise. He does have a bit of paranoia, which raises curiosity with those he interacts with. He seems to be at the right place at always the wrong time, drawing way to much attention to himself, but his presence usually saves the day. He’s gets a mixed reputation, wherever Kenobi goes, trouble follows.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I enjoyed this book, a lot. It was interesting to see Kenobi out of his element, surrounded by common folks who see him as some stranger, a drifter, a hermit. Kenobi’s interaction with Annileen was always entertaining. It’s obvious that there was an attraction between the two. However, Ben holds onto the oath of the Jedi Order, which forbids attachment.

This book has some cool surprises throughout, keeping the story interesting and the reader glued to the pages. There are some really high lighthearted moments, and some that actually get pretty dark. I would say it has a pretty good balance when it comes to evoking particular emotions.

Miller touches on familiar story points, such as the Lars family and the event that took place mentioned in Attack of the Clones (more specifically the novelization), when Shmi was taken by Tusken Raiders. I loved that moment, which anchors the story into the previous material. It’s also mentioned that Owen Lars really doesn’t like Ben. I find that very interesting and wish we had more as to the reason why.

There are “Meditation” segments in the story, I really enjoyed those moments. They are actually pretty emotional. Kenobi, alone in the desert, speaking out to his old master Qui-Gon, desperate to commune with him. These moments are what make Kenobi human. The galaxy has become such a different place for him. His loneness in the force, in the desert, remind me of just how much of a burden Kenobi has on his shoulders. He was there at the fall of galactic republic. He tried to protect Republic, but his failure along with the Jedi Order, altered the course of galactic affairs for many years to come.

Overall, the story is fantastic. It’s gritty, it contains some pretty dark moments but has some light humor throughout. Toward the end, I found some elements to be less intriguing and had some heavy Twilight Zone vibes, but it still ends in a high note. Nothing negative to say about this novel.

Do I recommend you pick up Star Wars: Kenobi? Yes, I highly recommend this book. It’s full of great character and takes place during an interesting time in the Star Wars timeline.

RATING

I give Kenobi an A+

Star Wars: Queen’s Hope Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars : Queen’s Hope was written by bestselling author E.K. Johnston. This YA novel is published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press. Queen’s Hope is the final Padme book, in the YA series.

SUMMARY: Padme and Anakin are in love. They want to live a life of secrecy and risk by fulfilling their personal desires by committing themselves to each other in marriage. This is forbidden in the Jedi Order, but it’s a risk Anakin is willing to take. When they return to Coruscant the first true test of how they will maintain their relationship begins. Anakin is shipped out to fight in the Clone Wars and Padme goes on a secret mission behind Separatist lines.

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Star Wars: Queen's Hope (Excerpt)

Queen's Hope (Star Wars)

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OVERALL THOUGHTS: The Padme trilogy, is one the most bizarre trilogies we’ve had. One book was a retelling of The Phantom Menace through a different perspective. One book jumps back in time as Padme adjusts to being Queen, and finally we close out the trilogy with the start of the Clone Wars.

Padme is tired of serving others before herself. She does like being a servant of the people, but she also wants to fulfill her own desires. When facing death on Geonosis, she realized the love of Anakin Skywalker, is just what she needs. Padme touts that she handles aggressive negotiations. In this story, she has no fear, but she risks exposing so much, with her decision to go on a secret mission.

There is something that felt off with this story, and that would be the timeframe. Little things don’t balance well with timeline of the relationship status between Anakin and Padme. This book suggests they had a lot more time together than what we witnessed in Attack of the Clones. They knew so much about each other and how each other would react to specific things.

I’ve always felt that Padme’s character is mistreated. I don’t believe an author has truly been able to tap into the character and give her an appropriate story that feels realistic or isn’t full of cringey fluff. I really don’t think anyone knows how to write the character of Padme. She’s a senator, not a secret agent… or is she? She is treated like an errand-girl, doing work that she shouldn’t be doing.

RATING: This book receives a D+

Star Wars: The High Republic Mission to Disaster Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: The High Republic Mission to Disaster is a young reader/junior reader book set just before the events of The Fallen Star. It was written by bestselling author, Justina Ireland. Thank you Disney-Lucasfilm Press for providing a copy for review.

Summary: The young Avon Starros is kidnapped from Port Haileap, on the mid rim world Kirima by the Nihil. Avon is shocked to learn that the Nihil have been kidnapping children around the galaxy and forcing them to be new recruits in the Nihil. Jedi Vernestra and her padawan Imri go on a mission in hopes to recover their friend, Avon. Chaos also irrupts on Dalna, as world damaging groundquakes break the world. The Jedi need to move quick if they are to successfully evacuate the planet with the help of Starlight Beacon.

Overall Thoughts:I really don’t like being negative… I really don’t, and as I’ve made clear on several other reviews, I want to enjoy the books I spend my time reading. Mission to Disaster is just way too dull. I had some fun with the previous young reader books from wave one and two, but Mission to Disaster was a chore. I’d pick the book up with intentions of reading several chapters, but I couldn’t do it. I could only spend about 20 minutes per reading session.

Many bits of the story are not consistent with previous High Republic storytelling. Certain villain traits that have already been established and well known by the Jedi are completely forgotten and brought up like it’s something new. The previous adult novel, The Rising Storm also suffered from this lack of consistency. If a special story group is not sifting through the books… one is needed. If there is a story group overseeing the books… new members are needed.

The Characters are not interesting, they’re bland. This is supposed to be a children’s book, please stop putting in sexual content/references in these books. I really hate giving a negative review, but it had to happen. I open each book with high hopes and want to have fun. As of this review, two of the three books in the High Republic wave 3 have been extremely disappointing. I really hope this isn’t a sign of more disappointment in the next phase.

Rating for Star Wars: The High Republic: Mission to Disaster: D-

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Fallen Star Book Review

by Matthew Wilson

Star Wars: The High Republic: The Fallen Star was written by New York Times best-selling author, Claudia Gray. This is the 3rd High Republic novel published by Del Rey. (A big thank you to Del Rey for sending out this copy for me to review.) The Fallen Star is the 3rd and final novel for the first phase of The High Republic.

SUMMARY: Starlight Beacon, the Republic’s physical symbol of peace and loyalty, is the next target of the Nihil. Marchion Ro has spread the Nihil across the galaxy to strike at random, to cause discomfort and fear. Many Nihil victims have made their way to Starlight Beacon for medical aid and ship repair as it hangs in space above the planet Eiram.

Soon, chaos will irrupt on Starlight Beacon as Marion Ro sends a crew to sabotage the station and unleash a Jedi killing, force hungry beast. The light of Starlight Beacon… will be snuffed out!

CHARACTERS: I’ve picked two characters to briefly mention.

The controversial Vintian character, Geode, brings in some comic relief. While the rock character does provide a few laughs, this living rock’s abilities alter an important plot point that we spend a lot of time with… by just sweeping the climax of said particular plot under the rug. It was a funny thing, but also a let down.

Bell Zettifar shines in this tale. While he’s still mourning the loss of his master, Loden Greatstorm, he doesn’t hesitate to jump into action when the world is burning around him. He and the wookie padawan, Burryaga, have become great friends and work well together.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: So far with the High Republic, I’ve really enjoyed the Del Rey novels. The era has been pretty hectic as the villains, the Nihil cause disaster throughout the galaxy. The previous novels introduced excellent characters with simple plots but excellent details. This novel, I hoped I wouldn’t have had to say it… falls short of my expectations. Here’s why…

It truly feels that Claudia Gray could not break the mold of the YA novel structure. The one thing this story lacks more than anything else, would be details. There are no aspects of the story that are heavily detailed, so there are a few situations that happen in the book that are muddled down and slightly confusing, because the details aren’t there! The story is shallow and simple.

The characters did not feel consistent with who they were in previous books, not just original characters created by Gray, but the characters created by the other authors writing in the High Republic Era. Claudia Gray brings in a few characters from her previous YA novel, Into the Dark such as Affie Hollow and her crew.

Some of my favorite characters in the High Republic are Stellan Gios and Elzar Mann. However, sadly, I wasn’t thrilled with either one of them in this book. They lacked the leadership and strength they displayed in past novels. Elzar has disconnected from the force for fear of sinking into the dark side. He comes across as too fearful and weak, I understand that he, as well as all Jedi, are students of the Force; they are always learning and growing. Elzar acts like a first time force user. Stellan Gios is suddenly very prideful and a tad spiteful. He is acting by Marshal of Starlight Beacon, replacing Avar Kriss. He has this childish grudge against Avar that doesn’t feel appropriate to his character in previous stories.

The relationships between the Jedi, as slightly mentioned already (with Stellan & Aver) all seemed out of line, with the exception of Bell & Burryaga. The dialogue wasn’t that bad, but there were many tacky lines and, much like the story structure, shallow. Previously, we’ve had a galactic disaster, billions have lost there lives during the events of Light of the Jedi, thousands more in The Rising Storm… but Chancellor Soh believes that the destruction of Starlight Beacon is the most tragic event in the history of the Republic? Yeah she believes that. I’m bummed out too that what was building up to some very intriguing political happenings in The Rising Storm, was completely absent in this book.

Do I recommend this book? Yes. Even with all the negative things I had to say about it, it is the continuation of a much larger era. This is the final adult novel in the first phase of the High Republic.

RATING: This book receives a C minus.

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