by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Darksaber, book two in the Callista Trilogy, was written by bestselling author, Kevin J Anderson. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the New Republic Era, 12 ABY (12 years after the Battle of Yavin).
SUMMARY
Luke Skywalker and Callista work together in an attempt to rebuild the force strength within Callista. Since her possession of a physical body, she has lost touch with the force.
Durga the Hutt and his goons obtain superweapon blueprints from the former Imperial Information Center. The gang plans to build a Death Star like weapon called the Darksaber. Meanwhile, Admiral Daala returns from the shadows in an attempt to bring unity amongst the shattered empire.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Not a bad story overall, but there are many cringe worthy moments. I think Kevin J Anderson did a good job continuing what was set up in the previous book, Children of the Jedi. Often times, an author will set up something in a book, other authors will write a the next event in the timeline, but overlook most of the story that came before it. I’m glad Kevin J Anderson came back to write more of the Jedi Characters that he established in the Jedi Academy trilogy.
I enjoyed the Hutt’s and their attempt to gain power. What I liked more than that, was the return of Admiral Daala. I think the setup for her power grab was done well; she didn’t want to be in control, but the immaturity of her peers left her with no choice but to wipe the slate clean and take the lead.
I can’t stand the relationship between Luke and Callista. Callista says they shouldn’t be together, she shouldn’t be in Luke’s shadow, unable to do the things she was once able to. The foundation of the relationship is the force and the ability to use it… that’s stupid.
It was fun to see the empire attempt to take Yavin 4. While I like the Jedi, I do like how things haven’t been too easy for them. The resurrection of the Jedi Order has been a difficult undertaking with many challenges.
Do I recommend you read this story? Yes.
RATING
I give Star Wars: Darksaber a C.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Children of the Jedi, book one in the Callista Trilogy, was written by bestselling author, Barbra Hambly. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the New Republic Era, 12 ABY (12 years after the Battle of Yavin).
SUMMARY
It’s revealed that there is a group of lost Jedi children that were hidden from the Emperor during the days of his reign. Han, Chewie, and Leia head to the planet Belsavis to investigate this revelation. Meanwhile, a force user taps into an Emperial vessel, to reactive the mission it was set to accomplish long ago.
Luke Skywalker on his own mission, winds up on an old secret weapon of the Empire, The Eye of Palpatine,. The Eye of Palpatine is a ship that was somehow reactivated to carry out its mission; gather troops from across the galaxy and destroy Belsavis.
Luke meets the force ghost of long dead Jedi, Callista. She had been on a mission long ago to stop the Eye of Palpatine, but managed to somewhat succeed through failure; while not able to stop the battle-moon physically, she possessed it with her spirit. Together, they must stop the Eye of Palpatine before it destroyed the world of Belsavis!
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I’ve already reviewed many books published by Bantam Books, it was a different time for the Star Wars Expanded Universe. To me, these books just have a different vibe than other stories in the EU. Not negative feelings… just different. I know a lot of EU fans aren’t a fan of this book, but I don’t think its all bad.
This book has a lot of strange things going on. It’s weird, and sometimes weird can be fantastic in sci-fi/fantasy. I don’t care for too much weirdness in my Star Wars though. The brainwashing of Gamorreans, Tusken Raiders, and other aliens to become servants of the Empire is just funny to me. I do like that there are more force users in the galaxy, some using it for evil.
I like that the past is still threating the future/present. The Eye of Palpatine is a pretty cool ship and weapon system. I like that Hambly established some lore with the Jedi, and though I don’t really care for the ghost of Callista possessing not just a machine, but another body, was a tad strange. That sort of thing seems to me, like it’s the dark side, a way to prolong life, the type of thing Darth Sidious and Plagueis were trying to accomplish.
I am not a fan of the way Luke was written. He’s portrayed as weak, easily giving in to his emotions. I mean, he falls in love with a possessed computer, the ghost of a long dead jedi! He even tells her he doesn’t want her to die… She’s a ghost! I also think that the internal conflict with Mara Jade is a little overdone. She finds out that there was another with the title “Emperor’s Hand” and it makes her angry.
Do I recommend you read this book? Sure, it gets weird but is a fun adventure.
RATING
I give Star Wars: Children of the Jedi, a C.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Republic Commando – Triple Zero, book two in a series of Republic Commando novels, written by Karen Traviss. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the Clone Wars in the Rise of the Empire era. Twenty-two years before the Battle of Yavin (ABY).
SUMMARY
Eight years before the Battle of Geonosis, friend of Jango Fett and fellow Mandalorian, Kal Skirata, arrives on Kamino. Upon leaning that six clones were scheduled for termination, as they did not meet the Kaminoan standards for the the Clone Troopers. These six defected clones were defiant and unruly. Skirata steps in and claims the six as his own. He raises them as unique ARC troopers, with an understating of their Mandalorian heritage.
Flashing forward a year after the Battle of Geonosis, Skirata is hired along with Omega Squad & Delta Squad and a few Jedi, to track down and terminate a Separatist terrorist/spy cell on Coruscant. The unit is fractured by conflict, the two squads just can’t get along. Etain reunites with Omega Squad to oversee the mission, during this time, her and Darman fall in love. Etain, then becomes pregnant, truly defying the Jedi Orders strict ways.
OVERALL THOUGHTS
This is where I loose people. Soon after I started this book I was already over it. My goodness, all that I enjoyed from book one was absent in this one. I was bored out of my mind with this story. I may not be the biggest fan of action, but when I turned page after page after page of mediocre dialogue. I’d have to stare at the cover of the novel to entertain myself.
I thought the character development was fantastic in the first book, Hard Contact. This one was lacking in that department, mostly, Kal Skirata was an interesting character, but he alone couldn’t save this story. Etain bugged me, she was constantly reassuring the troopers that they weren’t expendable – that they were all special, it’s almost as though she was saying it so much to remind herself of that.
We get more about the Mandalorian culture, which is neat,, but also weird at times. We learn that they think its okay to commit adultery when there’s some separation (as long as they raise the child that becomes of it) that’s stupid and random. Mandalorian define themselves by culture and behavior. I’m sorry but when some of the clones were doing a tribal type song and dance, I couldn’t help but chuckle… A war is going on and these outcast troops are breaking out into a musical.
This book is overloaded with acronyms and slang (in the Mando language), making it a little challenging to follow.
What I’m about to mention here contains a spoiler. The love story between Darman and Etain, fine whatever. Interesting choice though to have Etain keep such a massive secret from Darman; she’s pregnant and doesn’t tell Darman that he’s going to be a father! So much for these clones being something special, individually meaningful… if can’t even tell one that he’s going to have an heir!
I am looking forward to the next book in the series, my fingers are crossed with hope that I’ll appreciate it much more than this one.
Do I recommend this book? Nah, just look up spoilers and move on.
RATING
I give Star Wars: Republic Commando – Triple Zero, a C-.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Republic Commando – Hard Contact, book one in a series of Republic Commando novels, written by Karen Traviss. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the Clone Wars in the Rise of the Empire era. Twenty-two years before the Battle of Yavin (ABY).
SUMMARY
A special Republic Commando unit is formed, Omega Squad. They are sent to the planet Qiilura, where they are to destroy a Seperatist Research Facility that is actively developing a nano-virus designed to specifically kill the clones! Omega Squad is also instructed to capture the head scientist of the project.
Just as the mission gets started, one of the members of Omega Squad is separated. The communications systems are limited on this mission, as the Neimoidians have control of the planets long range communications. This makes things a bit difficult for the team to regroup.
A Jedi Padawan has trouble adjusting to a war torn galaxy and her role in commanding clones. Omega Squad learns to work together quickly in unfamiliar territory to survive hard contact with attack droids, a rugged Mandalorian, and to accomplish their mission.
OVERALL THOUHTS
I’m not sure how I feel about the writing style. Karren Traviss keeps the story entertaining, yet sometimes the way things are written, the prose, seem amateur-ish, or just too plain and simple. Sometimes though, there would be a poetic flow to the writing. I like how Traviss didn’t try to get to technical in the story telling with military jargon and the like. This battle-focused story did well by focusing on the characters more than the action.
I enjoyed the cast of characters, while they were all the same… from a certain point of view, they were all very different from each other. The elite squad of clones came together under difficult circumstances. Yet they put their duty before their emotions and form a bond that comes across as genuine.
It was nice meeting a new Jedi Padawn who was separated from her master. She was afraid and unsure of herself. The interaction between her and one of the commandos was great, the clone expecting the padawn to take command, but the padawn had no experience or knowledge on how to lead a squad.
In the Star Wars universe there seems to be a cycle of weaponry. Massive super weapons and/or viruses aimed at specific groups. Those ideas can get tedious, which is why the author must put real weight to the characters, their actions and reactions. I believe Karan Traviss did a good job with this story, making the Commando mission feel adventures and dangerous, leading the reader from chapter to chapter, not knowing if each member of the squad will make it out of this one alive.
Do I recommend this novel? Yes, the action was good and the characters were cool.
RATING
I give Star Wars: Republic Commando – Hard Contact, an A.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: The Courtship of Princess Leia, was written by New York Times Bestselling Author, Dave Wolverton. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the New Republic Era, eight years after the battle of Yavin (8 ABY).
SUMMARY
After overthrowing the Galactic Empire, the New Republic is still at war with the remnants of the empire. An attempt had been made to build up relations with the people of Hapen to gain a powerful new ally. Months had gone by before the Hapens make a visit to Coruscant to negotiate terms once again. Han Solo (who’d been gone for months, chasing down Imperial warlord. Zsinj) arrives on Coruscant just in time to see the big offer from the Queen of Hapen; her son, Prince Isolder – to be marraied to Princess Leia. Only through the arranged marriage will the Hapens become allies with the New Republic.
Luke Skywalker is on a quest to discover the history of the Jedi, finding very little information, but he is determined to rebuild the Jedi Order.
Mon Mothma and other leadership of the New Republic are determined to persuade Leia into accepting the Hapen offer, as it would be extremely beneficial for the New Republic. Han Solo is stunned by the Hapen offer and the hesitancy of Leia. He loves the Princess and can’t believe she didn’t decline the offer once it was made. He turns to gambling, winning the deed to a planet, Dathomir.
Han abducts Leia, taking her to Dathomir, demanding that he gets a few days to win her love. Luke returns to Coruscant and learns of what has happened, and teams up with Prince Isolder to find Han and Leia. Once on Dathomir, the gang has a run in with witches, Nightsisters, and the Imperial warlord, Zsinj!
OVERALL THOUGHTS
Dave Wolverton provided pretty solid roots for the future of Star Wars from this point. A lot of fan favorite content today can be traced back to this novel, such as Dathomir, Nightsisters, Rancor’s being used as mounts. We’ve seen these things come to shows, video games, and other books. While I do take issue with much of the plot, I do have to commend the Expanded Universe and Dave Wolverton for creating aspects of Star Wars that would impact the franchise so greatly.
I find the concept of this book a bit silly and aggravating a lot of the time. My feelings are interfering big time with how I interpret the story. It bothers me more than it should, that Leia has this internal conflict with Prince Isolder and Han. She literally just meets Isolder and nearly falls in love with the guy after a few days. Her and Han have been a thing for nearly 8 years! I dislike that Han had to kidnap her to get her attention and affection again. However, it does make it clear to me know, that their relationship can only thrive on adventure and near death experiences. (Not a healthy relationship)
Some of my favorite moments, would be reading about Luke on his quest to uncover the history of the Jedi. He has high hopes of re-establishing the Order of the Jedi. Witnessing Luke’s passion and excitement upon minor discovery’s is cool and makes me excited for the character, and for what may come in future books.
Do I recommend that you read this novel? I’m on record as saying, “skip this book.” After revisiting this novel, I’ve changed my mind. Yes, read it.
RATING
Star Wars: The Courtship of Princess Leia receives 3/5 stars, or a C+.
by Matthew Wilson
Star Wars: Champions of the Force, book three of the Jedi Academy trilogy, written by bestselling author, Kevin J. Anderson. This Expanded Universe tale takes place during the New Republic era, eleven years after the Battle of Yavin (ABY).
SUMMARY
Jedi trainee, Kip Durron, continues his downward spiral through the dark-side. The evil spirt of Exar Kun has twisted Durron against the light, leading down a path of destruction – from paralyzing Luke Skywalker with the force, to destroying a planet with the Sun-Crusher.
Meanwhile, New Republic forces attempt to capture the Imperial facility in the Maw. However, much of the Imperial crew flee the installation, and commandeer their new Death Star protype! Now, The New Republic must face off against a familiar superweapon and a fleet controlled by Admiral Dalla.
Will the light prevail over the darkness? Will the New Republic meet its doom in the shadow of the Death Star? Sorry folks, you’ve gotta read this one to find out!
OVERALL THOUGHTS
I really enjoy the writing style. The tone of the story is written well, a fair balance of describing the state of one’s well being to the action taking place. As with the previous novels, I said, “so many cool things I wish I could see on screen.” Same goes for this novel. But, I say Kevin J. Anderson does a really good job detailing the imagery to paint the scenes in my mind.
Reading the continued descent of a Jedi apprentice into darkness was exciting, dramatic, and tragic! In the comic series, Dark Empire, we experiece Luke dabbling in the dark, many fans couldn’t buy into it. It was a challenge to successfully pull someone down to the dark side, I believe Anderson was smart to create in a new character (Kip) for the trilogy and bring such weight to his instability.
Exar Kun talks to Luke, I feel there was a missed opportunity to mention the events from A New Hope, it would have been cool if Exar Kun would have said something like, “I felt your presence and the energy you brought here, 11 years ago.” However, Kun mentions the Witches of Dathomir, that they would make a fine addition to a new Sith brotherhood. I thought that was cool, a nice call back to Courtship of Princess Leia and tie-in to other material.
I can’t let this review end without saying that the story had it’s fair share of cheesiness! Some bits can be frustrating with the repetitive lines and themes, but overall, whatever. I like the addition of force healing, and the unity within the new Jedi Order.
Do I recommend Star Wars: Champions of the Force? Yes! A good book to close out a fun trilogy!
RATING
I give Star Wars Jedi Academy: Champions of the Force, A-
