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Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron Book Review

Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron Book Review

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Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Alexander Freed. He also wrote the Rogue One novelization as well as Battlefront: Twilight Company.

SUMMARY: This story takes place after Return of the Jedi and the comic book, Shattered Empire. Emperor Palpatine is dead, yet his Sentinel Droid orders the remnants of the Empire to initiate Operation Cinder. Operation Cinder is the total destruction of planets using special technology to create apocalyptic storms which causes a planet to tear itself apart.

Yrica Quell, was once a special forces TIE pilot in the 204th unit A.K.A Shadow Wing. She has a change of heart and switches sides, joining the New Republic military. She joins a team made up of pilots that fly various ships, creating a new squadron… Alphabet Squadron.

CHARACTERS: This book brings an entirely new cast save for one, which is Herra Syndulla. However, I’m not going to talk about her.

Yrica Quell – Like I mentioned, she was once with the Empire, a pilot in Shadow WIng. She finds Operation Cinder a bit too evil. So she leaves the Empire and finds herself at Traitors Remorse, a kind of holding area for those who have abandoned their service to the Empire. She’s called on to work intelligence, to track down the destructive Shadow Wing unit. Until she finally proves her loyalty to the New Republic, and is granted access to an X-Wing.

Wyl Lark – He’s a human male, and pilots an A-Wing. He’s homesick but his loyalty to the cause is great. Although he’d like to do nothing more but return to his homeland, he pilots his A-Wing into battle to help burn the Empire to ash.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Alexander Freed is a master writer. He’s articulate, descriptive, and intelligent. He creates wonder dialogue and knows how to paint the scenery. The book starts off great! However, it fades off into a boring story.

The story starts off pretty strong, but in part two the story dragged and by part three, I was giving up on the story all together. I am looking forward to the second book, hoping it changes my views of this book.

I like that the book is full of a brand new cast of characters. Having the Sentinal droid show up from the comics was really cool!

So, do I recommend that you read Star Wars: Alphabet Squadron by Alexander Freed?

RATING: I will give this book a C.

Star Wars: Master and Apprentice Book Review

Star Wars: Master and Apprentice Book Review

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Star Wars: Master & Apprentice Book Review

A novel written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Claudia Gray.

Master and Apprentice was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Claudia Gray. Gray has written a few other excellent Star Wars books; Bloodline and two YA novels, Lost Stars and Leia: Princess of Alderaan. The book was published by DelRey. This is the first canon novel to take place before the events of The Phantom Menace

SUMMARY: The Jedi Council extends an invitation to Qui-Gon Jinn to join the council. Before he can find the opportune time to discuss this with his Padawan, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Kenobi hears of the news from someone else. Uncomfortable strife between master and apprentice will have to work together on an unexpectedly dangerous mission. A Jedi Knight named Rael Averross, requests the assistance of Qui-Gon Jinn to the planet Pijal, to help resolve a political dispute. A treaty is to be signed by the Pijali princess and a major mining corporation, Czerka. This treaty will open a new hyperspace corridor, and initiate other fine print controversial laws.

Qui-gon believes the force provided him a horrific vision. He reports the vision to the council and Averross. Well, because of his interest in ancient prophecies, the other Jedi believe his interests are interfering with his sleep and duty.

Will Qui-Gon join the council? Will master and apprentice come to an understanding of each other? Is Qui-Gon losing his mind? If you’d like to know the answer to these wild questions, I suggest you pick this book up and read it!

CHARACTERS: In this book we read about two familiar characters as well as a few new folks. I’ll mention one familiar and one new character.

Qui-Gon Jinn: It’s nice to learn more about Qui-Gon’s history. We get a glimpse of his days training as an apprentice. As we know from The Phantom Menace, Qui-Gon is somewhat of a rebellious Jedi. He values archaic, mystical writings over text of the Jedi Order. His favorite interest of study is of the ancient prophecies and language. Diving into the prophecies is frowned upon by most Jedi, as it can potentially lead to the dark side; seeing the future and wanting to possibly manipulate it.

Rael Averross: He’s a Jedi Knight, sent on a long mission to watch over the princess of the planet, Pijal. For eight years he served as the Lord Regent, assisting the princess while development and construction of a new hyperspace corridor was developing. He and Qui-Gon shared the same master in their youth, Dooku. Rael struggles with his past. Like Qui-Gon, he struggles with some aspects of the Jedi Order.

OVERALL THOUGHTS: Master and Apprentice explores the relationship not only between Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, but Qui-Gon and Dooku. This novel is well balanced with action, politics, and the force. The book starts off strong and exciting, exposing fascinating little cannon nuggets, such as a historical fact about the galaxy. It was a lot of fun to read a novel that takes place before The Phantom Menace, especially about the relationship of Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi.

Toward the middle of the book… it got weird. Hope of Master and Apprentice being a great read began to dwindle. There were a few cringe worthy moments, like when it came to a few droid names and the way the prophecies were written. I think it was supposed to be cool, however, it was a little too corny. As I’ve said in other Star Wars reviews and other content I post, explicit sexual content/references do not belong in the Star Wars books. There is no reason for it whatsoever.

After a mid-story decline, the book picked back up for an enjoyable ride. The Jedi Council causes division and conflict between Kenobi and Qui-Gon. It was interesting to see how they managed to overcome differences as well as work together on a mission that every which way but simple.

Gray did well with the development of each character for the most part. Glimpses of the past that we witness of Dooku are a joyful, exciting, and mysterious highlight in the novel. While a lot has been revealed about the past for some characters, a lot is also made more mysterious. While it’s cool to add bits to a character’s past and tease events throughout the book, it’s not cool to finish the book with those bits left unanswered. As a result, I feel a little cheated and unsatisfied with some aspects of the story.

There was one issue I had with the dialogue. While it was wonderful and very Star Warsy, the use of the word damn was record breaking for a Star Wars book. I can understand its use occasionally but damn… it was used way too much! I don’t want to end on a sour note, the book was a lot of fun. I don’t really know what else I can say about it. Like I said already, it was an enjoyable ride after a bit of turbulence in the middle. Claudia Gray is an outstanding author that delivers a good story with every Star Wars book she writes.

Do I recommend you read Star Wars: Master and Apprentice? Yes, it’s got action, politics, and of course, the force.

RATING: I give this book an B+.

Purchase this title: https://amzn.to/2Dhp1RU

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CSB Rainbow Study Bible Review

CSB Rainbow Study Bible Review

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CSB RAINBOW STUDY BIBLE Provided by Holman

CSB Rainbow Study Bible

The Christian Standard Bible or (CSB) Rainbow Study Bible, was published by Holman Bibles. The CSB translation is trademarked by Holman Bible Publishers.

The first page is the the basic presentation page. The following pages include the copyright/publishing details and a Scriptural Promise for the Holman Rainbow Study Bible, quoting Genesis 9:8-17. To summarize, it’s about the Rainbow and God’s covenant to not flood the earth again.

On the To The Reader page: it gives insight into the history of the Rainbow Study Bible. A lot of time went into the concept of this Bible. The writing, research, and editing took years to complete for this wonderful edition.

On the Words of Explanation page: this section explains the idea behind this Bible and how the color and the underlined text is used.

We’ve got the Books of the Bible in biblical order and in alphabetical order. The table of contents shows the page number of in text maps within each book, as well as illustrations and maps located in the back.

We are given a guide as to what the different colors represent, these will also appear on the bottom of every page.

At the back of the book, we have the supplemental study aids that are very useful. 100 popular bible passages and 365 popular bible quotations for memorization and meditation is awesome.

 

Cited Information from the Bible Packaging:

Introductions to each book of the Bible

Full-color maps and reconstructions

Concordance

Subject Guide

Chart of Ancient Bible Texts

 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

The CSB Rainbow Study Bible is a very unique bible. As someone who’s always hesitant to take a highlighter to the scripture… with this bible, I don’t have to, it’s been done for me. The color coding is very helpful when you want to focus on certain subjects of the Word. For example, if you want to focus on scripture relating to Prophesy or Faith, you can flip anywhere through the Bible and find those topics easily because of the color coding.

The highlights can also help you get a better understanding on your scriptural reading. I think this Bible should find its way to everyone, especially for those who recently found Christ or for those seeking His wisdom.

This bible gets extra points for having 2 ribbon markers! The font is actually pretty large, making it very easy to read.

My only con with this bible, is that it’s best to read this one where light is plentiful. I had a hard time deciphering certain highlight colors while reading at night next to a dim lamp.

So do I recommend you get the CSB Rainbow Study Bible? Yes.

 

Purchase the CSB Rainbow Study Bible: : https://amzn.to/2TeMJ7w

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Crossway ESV Illuminated Bible: Art Journaling Edition Review

Crossway ESV Illuminated Bible: Art Journaling Edition Review

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ESV Illuminated Bible: Art Journaling Edition

Provided by Crossway

ESV Illuminated Bible: Art Journaling Edition

The ESV Illuminated Bible: Art Journaling Edition was published by Crossway.

On the inside flap we get a quick overview about this elegant journal bible. The presentation page is decorated nicely.  Of course one of the first pages with full print will be the all about the copyright details and publishing information. The following page, is the contents page, listing out the books and other features that can be found in this bible. Before we open up to the Old Testament, there is a section that goes into detail about the English Standard Version (ESV) translation.

Each book in this Bible has a fully designed, unique title page. In the back of the Bible, we have an index of the title illustrations. 

There are 64 title pages with full page gold illustrations. The fine art doesn’t end with the the titles pages, because there are more than 250 hand lettered verses that can be found in the margins along with over 100 additional illustrations.. The 50 full page verse illustrations are very well designed

 

Cited Information from the Bible and Crossway.org:

9. Lexicon Font

Black Letter Text

2-Color Printing

Illustrated by Dana Tanamachi

Smyth-Sewn Binding

Single-Column, Paragraph Format

Thick Cream-Colored Paper

 

OVERALL THOUGHTS:

The Illuminated Art Journaling Bible is beautifully designed. The cream colored paper, the gold artwork, and black text look great together. The layout is simple and the illustrations and artistic scripture writing throughout are nice. The margin space is generous, plenty of room for journaling your thoughts and prayers. 

The 9 pt. font is a decent size and the single column paragraph format, makes reading the scripture easy without the wording/structure feeling cramped. The wide margins leave a generous amount of space for journaling your thoughts and prayers.

So, do I recommend that you pick up the ESV Illuminated Bible: Art Journaling Edition? Yes!

 

Purchase the ESV Illuminated Bible: Art Journaling Edition: https://amzn.to/2EVKHTt

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Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow Book Review

Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow Book Review

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Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow

 Star Wars: Queen’s Shadow is a YA Novel written by E.K. Johnston. It was published by Disney-Lucasfilm Press.

SUMMARY

The time has come for Padme to step down as Queen of Naboo. As she walks away from the throne, she discovers other opportunities in which she can still serve her home planet. Serving as a Republic Senator, Padme can be a representative for Naboo, and attempt to better the galaxy in the political ring.

CHARACTERS

 A lot of us tend to paint Padme as a strong female character… but is she? Or is she just paranoid, relying on those around her to bail her out? The conclusion I’ve come to, is both. We know from The Phantom Menace that during the skirmish of Naboo with the Trade Federation, Queen Amadala has hand maidens, a body double, an altered voice for “Royalty’s sake and body double disguise.” This book pretty much shows us that she has always been paranoid, before the Trade Federation conflict.

When Amadala makes her transition from Queen to Senator, it’s a bit tough for her make the adjustment. Padme uses the name Amadala as a stage name… an alias. When Padme is with her handmaidens behind closed doors, they talk about Amadala like she’s another person. It’s weird.

Even as Senator, Padme has handmaidens, a body double, a security team, and even has someone tapping into the newsfeeds on Coruscant.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

The book leads to a dead end. There is no climax. There is no real resolve. Some issues are tackled with the story… but overall, as a whole… the story leads to nothing. I don’t know if it’s supposed to tie into Clone Wars or if a second book is to be release… but the epilogue suggests that’s not going to happen. As I’m making my way through Clone Wars season one. I can’t recall any names that have been dropped in this book. I finished reading this book unsatisfied, underwhelmed, and a little confused.

RATING: I give this book an F. I expected a powerful YA novel about Padme. I wanted to close this book and feel that she was a truly powerful and in control character. Yet, I close the book feeling that she was just paranoid, relying on others to help her gain success.

I can’t recommend you read this book… But as a Star Wars diehard, it’s best to go ahead and complete your library. And hey, you may like this book, everyone’s taste is different.

 

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Star Wars: Darth Bane Dynasty of Evil Book Review

Star Wars: Darth Bane Dynasty of Evil Book Review

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Star Wars: Darth Bane Dynasty of Evil Book Review

Star Wars: Darth Bane – Dynasty of Evil, was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Drew Karpyshyn. This novel is the eleventh event on the Legends novel timeline. This tale takes place during the Old Republic Era, it also counts as book three, in the Darth Bane trilogy. It takes place 980 years before A New Hope.

SUMMARY

Dynasty of Evil is a bigger tale, introducing many new characters with multiple agendas. That said, I will focus primarily on the Darth Bane and Darth Zannah aspect of the story.

Darth Bane grows weary and anxious. Age is finding its place in Bane’s body and mind. His obsession with the dark side is ever present. He’s tired of waiting for his apprentice to take her rightful place as the master. He believes Darth Zannah will sit by, idly waiting for her master to die before taking the role. And that’s not the way of the Sith. Bane comes to the conclusion that if his apprentice will not do her duty, he will seek out the secrets of immortality and find a replacement. Meanwhile, there is another, out to seek and destroy the Bane. A child from the past, now grown and granted with the power of royalty.

Zannah senses the weakness in her master. She sees his growing frustration as he attempts his own holocron creation. She’s on the search for her apprentice, she knows her time to take on Bane is near.

To sum it all up into a few words, the theme of this final tale; a quest for revenge, power, and healing.

CHARACTERS

This book has a handful of great characters once again. In my review of Path of Destruction, I did not mention Bane in this section. In this review, I’ll only talk about Bane..

Bane: Free of the Orbalisk parasites, he’s become obsessed with creating his own holocron! The wear of age is catching up to Sith Master. The uncontrollable twitch in his nerves is irritating and a reminder of his mortality. Bane is one of the best villains I’ve read about. He’s wise, he’s powerful, yet vulnerable at times. He’s had many failures throughout his life. The path he chose, or rather, was forced into, eventually led him to the dark side. How would he have ended up, had he not got into that fight with republic soldiers so many years ago? Back when his name was Dessel. He is certainly worthy of the name, Darth Bane.

OVERALL THOUGHTS

I think Drew Karpyshyn is a master of character development. The arch in each character, either new in this book or the few that have remained since the beginning is crazy good. Darth Zannah’s journey through the dark side is drastically different than Bane’s. While you can argue that Bane’s path to the dark side was more of a tragic accident. Zannah made the choice to follow Bane’s teachings. When she was left on her own to find her way off Ruusan as a child… she did so. Had she not craved the power, she would have never returned to Bane. Darth Zannah is an incredible Sith, with a frightening power.

This final chapter in the Bane trilogy doesn’t fizzle out. No, it’s exciting, tense, and explosive. If I had to recommend you only read just one series in the Star Wars Legends canon… the Bane trilogy is definitely the series I demand you read.

 

Do I recommend you read Star Wars: Darth Bane – Dynasty of Evil? Of course I do,. I just said so!

RATING

I give this book an A. It was (99%) almost everything I wanted in this wrap up story of Darth Bane.

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