by Orson Scott Card
Overview:
A genius 6 year old is put to the ultimate test. Can he be formed into the ultimate spaceship commander in time? He must defeat the alien "Bugger" race and save the world. But can he survive his peers?
Critique:
This is by far the best Sci-fi or fantasy book I have ever read. It is a quick and easy read, but very deep. Ender has a hauntingly innocent soul. As you read, you see yourself in Ender and feel that you are growing with him. I have never related to a character more. If you read any book from my list, this should be one
A+.
by James Kahn
Overview:
This is simply the screenplay written as a novel. Word for word, you can take the movie one page at a time.
Critique:
It is as fantastic a story as the Film, but holds no new insights to the Force, the characters or the plot. A decent young Adolecent read, or a quick book of good quality.
C
by Kevin Anderson
Overview:
The tales of Leia, Chewie, Lando and Luke as they plan to spring Han solo from the grasp of Jabba the Hutt. Introduces the characters of (Brash Pilot)Dash Rendar and (Mega-bad dude) Xizor.
Critique:
This book rocked. It is by far the best Star Wars book out there. I especially like Vaders self betraying thoughts as he ponders what to do with Luke.
This book shadows some of the things that happen in the Empire Strikes Back. It makes for a very cool effect. I have yet to find a better written Star Wars book. I read it cover to cover in 2 weeks. That is lightening fast for me!
A
by Timothy Zahn
Ten years after the battle Endor we find Han and Leia married and with twins. Luke is struggling with his transition from Jedi Knight to Master. Master C'both emerges as a curious new jedi master. Admiral Thrawn's first appearance.
Critique:
This is the best book of the Thrawn trilogy. Being the first one written after a long period with no Star Wars books, it picks the future up well. Thrawn is an intriguing character and his intellect will keep you on his toes. My desire to find out what happened to my favorite characters later in the future inspired my reading.
B+
by Timothy Zahn
Overview:
A continuation of the Thrawn Trilogy, this is the middle story, equipped with a cliffhanging ending. Mara Jade 's character is developed.
Critique:
Now that the excitement of Heir to the Empire is wearing off, we dive deeper into the story. The story is satisfactory, but the cliffhanger seems to be more of the end of a chapter than the end of a book. The Last Command could easily have been just a second half to the story.
Zahn triest to mimic the darker and more tragic "middle story" that Lucas did with The Empire Strikes Back. He doesn't succeed in capturing the same sense of heroism and sacrifice.
B-
by Timothy Zahn
Overview:
The Thrawn Trilogy is concluded with a lightsaber battle between Luke and Mara. Like Return of the Jedi, there is a sense that an evil presence has been diminished.
Critique:
Been there, done that. The book is well written, but the story is getting long. I read the first one to see what happened in the future. The next two in the trilogy seemed like a watered down version of Jedi and Empire. Mimicry is a form of flattery, but it tries to hard what it can never be...Star Wars: Episodes 7-9.
C
by Various Authors
Overview:
Kevin Anderson compiles several short stories of our favorite characters from the cantina in A New Hope. Greedo, Hammerhead, Walrusman and the band are just a few of the caharacters.
Critique:
This was a great book to read because it is a conglomeration of short stories (which I love). There is variety and creativity amok! Best Story...Hammerheads murder mystery and his dealings with his pacifist mindset. Honorable mention...Greedo. We always knew he was a goofball.
B+
by Timothy Zahn
Overview:
Commander Palleon, a fledgling under Thrawn is back to terrorize the New Republic.
Critique:
Timothy Zahn holds on to his old characters and trilogy to start a new 2 parter. I never read the second part. I guess the cliff hanging ending (again) wasn't enough to hold my interest.
C-
by Various Authors
Overview:
Like Tales from the Cantina, the bounty Hunters surronds the bounty hunters who chased after Han Solo. Some stories are origins, some paralell Empire and some are just misc. stories.
Boba Fett, Dengar, IG-88, Zuccus, 4-LOM and Bosc are the Hunters.
Critique:
Even better than the Cantina book, this was an Excelent collection. The only disappointing story was the Boba Fett story. It may be, however, that he has such a status as "One bad Dude" that it is hard to write a satisfactory story about him. I never liked the character of Dengar, but his story was the best. I now have a new respect for him, and actually like the character now. I always thought IG-88 was cool. Now I think he is the MAN!...or, uh...machine.
A-
by RA Salvatore
Overview:Since i haven't read it yet, I can only say what I know.
Luke and Mara Jade are married. The group is, well, old. A new Jedi Order is coming to power with the Twins at the helm. I know a battle ensues and some how, very heroicly, a major character (an I mean MAJOR) dies to save the others.
Critique:
I have heard good things about this book, but am not far into it. It might be a while before I really get deep into it. I don't think this will be a Spock death, like in the Wrath of Kahn. It is real, permanent and heroic. If you really want to know who dies, pick it up.
N/A