Definitely Recommended Books

[DarkJedi]

I was a huge fan of the expanded universe in the novels until around 2 years ago when a certain son of a well known couple bit the dust in the recent Yavitha(sp?) series for the EU. So I stopped for a bit cause didn't really like this death at all and chose to start Harry Potter and some other series instead.

Well, last week, I went ahead and decided to start reading Labyrinth of Evil, Revenge of the Sith, & Dark Lord:The Rise of Darth Vader.

For star wars fans, I most definitely recommend these books. Labyrinth of Evil starts off with Anakin and Obi Wan fighting the clone wars 3 years after the events of Attack of the Clones and the events on Geonesis....It shows how close Anakin and Obi Wan have become and how well they play off each other and the ending of the novel is with them taking off towards Coruscant to rescue Palpatine. Seriously, the conversations in this prequel is truly sad at times when seeing how close Anni and Obi Wan have become. A Jedi knows not attachment but it's clear that Obi Wan has grown attached to Anakin as a best friend should..

Revenge of the Sith is the written version of the movie and I have to say, there are much more conversations in detail between the Jedi Council as well as Palpatine & Anakin....The reader gets to see just why leaving Anakin on Coruscant (as it's wrapped in darkness) is such a terrible move. How the Council think after they turn Anakin into a chess piece...It's very well written by Stover and it gives more depth then the movie did.

Dark Lord: Rise of Darth Vader is a very interesting follow-up as well, beginning with Order 66 offworld of Coruscant and leading up to a very VERY surprising ending with a character I didn't expect to see at all. It also ties up alot of connecting storylines very well. The devil is in the details and this trilogy of novels does a very good job at details...whether it's conversations between characters, feeling what each vital character is thinking, or giving us a early glimpse of how the Empire got started after the events of the Revenge of the Sith movie...

5 out of 5 Stars. A whole lot of fun for star wars fans and a whole lot of sadness once this trilogy is read in regards to how big a friendship was lost on Mustafar.

Definitely recommend it.



Reading these 3 novels back to back to back make me want to end my hiatus of the EU(events after ROTJ) and go catch up on what I've missed. I just found about all the new additions of Zaun...making his inner star wars story 7 novels long.

[Magell]

Stover's work with the Star Wars novels is really awesome. I really need to get some of his non-Star Wars works. I haven't read any of those three books yet. I've never read any of the movie novelizations but with Stover writing the Revenge of the Sith one I might have to check it out sometime.

[DarkJedi]

Mags, I really recommend you do that...and get Luceno's Labyrinth of Evil and Dark Lord...

It's a trilogy of books where all the events are together.

Labyrinth of Evil leads right into Revenge of the Sith which leads into Dark Lord...and it fits perfectly together. Fast paced and very sad at times.

[southpaw]

I really enjoyed reading REVENGE OF THE SITH. I've been thinking about buying the audio version on iTUNES as well, I listened to alittle of it and it sounded pretty cool.

[Kaeos]

Dark Lord was an interesting read as well, too many times though I was reminded of Dark Vader's Blog (http://darthside.blogspot.com/)

BTW - O' illustrius Jedi dude. shouldn't this thread be down in the Book Forum?:ohwell:

[DarkJedi]

Since this forum is about Star Wars, anything doing with the subject is going here while this forum exists.

Though it may not last much longer if the traffic continues being so slow.

[Kaeos]

Well, since we're on the subject,

I just noticed a new set of books taking place at then end of the NJO series - Dark Nest or some damn thing. Looked interesting. I have it on reserve from the old library-o

Looks to be centered on Han and Leia again.

[DarkJedi]

Is this part of the Yvethia(sp?) series? I'm not sure if they've been defeated or not since I haven't read a book in that series since a jedi son has died halfway through the series...As if Han didn't have enough to mourn about with someone else he knowing dieing earlier in the series.

After reading the last trilogy around Episode 3, I may pick up where I left off in the Yvethia(sp? again lol) series..

I also want to read the Zaun's seven books in a row in order...From Outbound Flight to the last novel from him.

[Kaeos]

I'm a big stickler for proper chronology when I read something.

You should go ahead and finish up the series. Though you're losing me with the "Yvethia" references. I tnd to refer to the whole mess as The New Jedi Order the way it's laid out in the chronology of the first few pages.

I had gone back this past spring and started up again with the series at Vector Prime where the Yuuzhan Vong (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yuuzhan_Vong) first appear.

I took a little break to get into the Avengers / X-Men crossover novels, when I'm done there, I'll get back into the series where I left off at m ready to pick up at Destiny's way.

[DarkJedi]

lol The Yvethia was my attempt at remembering the Yuuzhan Vong villians.

The last book I read of the series was the hardback Star by Star in which someone dies.

I went ahead and decided to continue because of the great reading from Labyrinth of Evil, Revenge of the Sith, & Dark Lord.

Just started "Dark Journey" an hour ago, the next one after Star by Star. :D

[Razar]

lol The Yvethia was my attempt at remembering the Yuuzhan Vong villians.

The last book I read of the series was the hardback Star by Star in which someone dies.

I went ahead and decided to continue because of the great reading from Labyrinth of Evil, Revenge of the Sith, & Dark Lord.

Just started "Dark Journey" an hour ago, the next one after Star by Star. :D

>.<

On Star by Star right now....not up to that point though.

[DarkJedi]

Just giving an update-

I've read Dark Journey( a very cool tale between Jaina and Kyp at the core of the story)...then went on to Rebel Dream and Rebel Strand....(very cool warfare on everyone's part...Jaina's throwing mindgames at the enemy and baffling them at every turn.

Started Traitor a few minutes ago...


Notes: You know something...even though I read the EU passionately all the way up to Star By Star two years ago, I still forgot how much a "difference" Luke's jedi trainings is compared to the older jedi methods(up to the Jedi Order's fall in ROTS). Luke continues to search for things about the Jedi and something makes me wonder if he even "wants" to see the differences between his teachings and theirs. Especially in terms of "attachment" and "love". Luke's era of recruits get married, have more emotional depth, etc...Hell Luke being married is a trip when I see how the older Jedi Order went about beliefs of attachment to someone else at that level. I guess that's why it's properly called "The New Jedi Order".

[Kaeos]

I forgot how much a "difference" Luke's jedi trainings is compared to the older jedi methods(up to the Jedi Order's fall in ROTS). Luke continues to search for things about the Jedi and something makes me wonder if he even "wants" to see the differences between his teachings and theirs. Especially in terms of "attachment" and "love". Luke's era of recruits get married, have more emotional depth, etc...Hell Luke being married is a trip when I see how the older Jedi Order went about beliefs of attachment to someone else at that level. I guess that's why it's properly called "The New Jedi Order".

Like Luke founded the Baptists with ministers than can be married, I know.

I saw that common theme through the NJO Series as well. He's got like, 1 holocron that barely works, he can't communicate with anyone in the force,Obi-Wan, Yoda, nothin. Almost every single link he has to the Old Order is gone. So he has to almost make everything up as he goes along based on whatever precious little knowledge he gained from his short time with Yoda 20 years earlier.

Which consodering Lucas's theme that the Old Jedi Order had become a fat, bloated, self serving monument to itself, perhaps it's better Luke let's his ministers marry and have kids eh?

I got the next book - furthest point into the future at the moment - Dark Nest Series, 3 book set - The Joiner King is part 1 - 5 seems like roughly 5 years after NJO ends. I should be able to start it this weekend.

[DarkJedi]

I'm on Destiny's Way now....Started two hours ago. I don't know how much I can say here without spoiling Razar who's on Star By Star so I'll put my thoughts about it in a tag..Perhaps create another thread about those thoughts somewhere else too so we don't spoil readers who haven't caught up..

I'm thinking the same as you on that front, Kaeos. Since I'm on Destiny's War, Vergese has finally reunited with Luke on Mon Calamari. She would be the most "valueable" of information about the old Older but Luke has some contempt for her and the military has her locked up because she's so neutral in how she communicates with everyone.

It's funny how Luke keeps on searching for ideas of the old Jedi Council but part of me wonders if he did get the information about them in full by Vergese or someone else, I bet he'd find a equally contempous reaction of them and his goals of creating a new Jedi Council. If only understood how much difference the old Jedi way was compared to "his" way & teachings. Imagine him learning that his wife, his son...his love of attachments was so forbidden by those long gone whom he seeks knowledge about..

[Kaeos]

Hey Jedi man -

Have you read Rogue Planet? Vergere is the star in that book along with a 12 year old Anakin and Obi Wan.

She is a totally different character in this series if you've read that book.

[DarkJedi]

Hey Kaeos Breeder -


Thanks for the heads up! I will be picking up Rogue Planet this weekend hopefully. I'm assuming that in RP, Vergere becomes whom she becomes because of the actions of this prequel book with Obi and Anakin. Definitely looking forward to it.

Just finished Destiny's Way( a bad ass book) and starting on Force Heretic: Remenant right now.... Destiny's Way was totally awesome! I didn't see Vergere sacrificing herself like that because I thought she would choose neutrality of both sides of the Vong/Galactic Federation War.It seemed her destiny wasn't neutrality so much as Jacen himself or his future actions. I have a feeling I'm going to love this Force Heretic trilogy also because Pellaeon is one of my favorite characters in the EU universe.

[Kaeos]

Just about 1/2 way through the 3rd book in this series: The Dark Nest III - Swarm War.

I have to give major props to Troy Denning here. I have always been a fan of his EU Books, he's always been the best at expressing Luke, Han, Leia and 3PO better than anyone.

I won't get all spoiler-ish here, but there are a few elements to point out - hopefully to get more folks interested in the SW-EU books in general.

I am not so happy with the direction he's taken Jaina Solo here. I don't think her voice in this book is anywhere near what it was in Dark Journey. It's a shame since she was such a strong presense in the Star Wars universe. I hope her position improves. She is a pivotol character to this story, but she's just...not Jaina as the character she's grown to become.

Denning has however made great use of the material we now have in Episode III - ROTS. Again, I don't want to get spoiler-ific here, but Denning has single handedly addressed the biggest pet peeve I've had with EpIII all along.

R2D2. How coud Lucas have possibly justified the fates of C3PO and R2D2 at the end of Episode III?

ALDERAAN STARCRUISER-HALLWAY- SPACE

BAIL ORGANA, followed by ARTOO and THREEPIO, approaches CAPTAIN ANTILLES and TWO CREW MEMBERS.

BAIL ORGANA: Captain Antilles.

CAPTAIN ANTILLES: Yes, Your Highness.

BAIL ORGANA: I'm placing these droids in your care. Treat them well. Clean them up. Have the Protocol Droid's mind wiped.

C-3PO: Oh, no.

BIG FAT FREEKING PLOT HOLE YOU FUZZY FACED MORON!!!!!!

So....3PO gets a memory wipe, obviously because he's a babble mouthed buffoon. I get that. But not R2? From the moment the credits rolled for me at the end of that movie I have been pissed about the plot hole it leaves. Considering how much Lucas included people and places and lore from the Star Wars EU books in the new/original films it kills me that he'd close that movie with R2's memory untouched, and zero explanation why.

I sit there and think, Why didn't R2 jump and tweet "Skywalker? Luke Skywalker? Anakin's kid? Hey I flew with your Dad!" right there in the Tattoine desert in the shadow of the Jawa transport? If he knew everything that happened between Episodes' I, II and II why the hell didn't he ever say anything in the course of everything we've seen and read?!?! It's just sloppy writing to me.

Denning has corrected the error. Nicely I might add. The reason is not only simple, it's plausible, it works and it only adds to the depth of this 3 book Dark Nest series.

THIS my friends is a MUST READ.

[sickness]

Two considerations to make:

1) Maybe R2's mem wipe is being saved for the series...

or... the one I find a whole hell of a lot more interesting...

2) R2 knows how to keep his big trap shut. Maybe he was asked by Obi-Wan not to let on too much. Imagine if R2 goes through all 6 movies aware of everything that has gone on. It puts an interesting perspective on the movies.

[DarkJedi]

I think that's how I always looked at it from R2's perspective, sicks. In fact, I think in a few of the books recently and in Dark Lord:Rise of Darth Vader that R2 told C3P0 to keep his mouthy gossip to itself in his usual playful tones.

I know in the last book of the Unifying Force(New Jedi Order Series) which I finished last week, R2 finally probably told Threepio about their past because of how the two droids ended up rolling away saying as much before one of the final chapters ended..

I can't wait to see what Troy Denning has for us though. Thanks for the recommendation.

[Kaeos]

Two considerations to make:

1) Maybe R2's mem wipe is being saved for the series...

Possible. Though for some reason, everything I've read so far says Lucas doesn't want any major characters from the movies in the series.


2) R2 knows how to keep his big trap shut. Maybe he was asked by Obi-Wan not to let on too much. Imagine if R2 goes through all 6 movies aware of everything that has gone on. It puts an interesting perspective on the movies.

I'll submit that it goes way deeper than that based on what Denning writes here Go get 'em boys.:Smirk:

[neglet]

I'm moving this discussion into the "Literary Corner" forum, because the title is about books and the discussion is about books, and that makes more sense now that the SW forum is gone.

[Kaeos]

I'm moving this discussion into the "Literary Corner" forum, because the title is about books and the discussion is about books, and that makes more sense now that the SW forum is gone.

I tried to tell him that last month. But hey, what do I know....:wink:


BTW - O' illustrius Jedi dude. shouldn't this thread be down in the Book Forum?:ohwell:

[DarkJedi]

As I tried telling you right back that I wanted the discussion of it in the forum of it's focus. For Harry potter books, I'd rather the discussion be in the Harry Potter forum. For Star Wars books, the star wars forum. For Bond books, the Bond forum.... :)

[neglet]

Well, now there is no SW forum, so I think it's best in the book forum.

Now, if I could only figure out how to edit titles of threads so that they display the new title, we'd all know "Definitely Recommended Books" is about SW books. But hey--maybe you'll drive more people to read SW books that way.

I've only read the original Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn. What would you recommend I read next?

[Kaeos]

As I tried telling you right back that I wanted the discussion of it in the forum of it's focus. For Harry potter books, I'd rather the discussion be in the Harry Potter forum. For Star Wars books, the star wars forum. For Bond books, the Bond forum.... :)

I just like gettin ya fired up there J man, it's cute. But your so sensitive:icon_poke222:


:D

[teabagging2000]

hmmm never ead these but I have Heir to the Empire queued on the stack so maybe soon.

[tstone]

SW EU books? Definitely read anything by Zahn. His characterization is spot on.

The Jedi Academy trilogy by Kevin J Anderson. You have the Spice Mines of Kessel. Luke establishing a new Jedi School on Yavin 4. And the Sun Crusher.

And read the Black Fleet Crisis. A strange new alien race. Lando on a mission of discovery. Wookie commandos.

Great stuff.



Well, now there is no SW forum, so I think it's best in the book forum.

Now, if I could only figure out how to edit titles of threads so that they display the new title, we'd all know "Definitely Recommended Books" is about SW books. But hey--maybe you'll drive more people to read SW books that way.

I've only read the original Thrawn trilogy by Timothy Zahn. What would you recommend I read next?

[JMac]

I would recommend the book the lovely bones by alice sebold and the life of pi by yann martel.

[Al-Dog]

Is anyone here familiar with the Repairman Jack novels? I just finished the latest one; Harbingers. The series is written by F. Paul Wilson.

If you are not familiar with series, I highly recommend checking them out. Here's a brief run down taken from his site.




Repairman Jack
Jack is a denizen of Manhattan who dwells in the interstices of modern society. He has no official identity, no social security number, pays no taxes. When you lose faith in the system, or the system lets you down, you go to a guy who's outside the system. That's Repairman Jack.

But he's no Equalizer, no knight in shining armor. Jack is strictly fee for service, and he may be a few bricks shy of a full load himself, but at least he's under control...most of the time.

The name: Abe dubbed him Repairman Jack during the start-up years of Jack's fix-it business. Jack used it awhile as a sort of gag, but it stuck. Now, like it or not, he's known as Repairman Jack.

Jack facts:
Jack hires out for cash to "fix" situations that have no legal remedy.
He considers himself a small businessman and tries not to get emotionally involved
He almost always gets emotionally involved
He has a violent streak that he's always trying to control.
He's a firm believer in Murphy's Law and always likes to plan things out, with a second escape route, a back-up plan, etc. But things rarely go as planned, and that makes him irritable and jumpy.
He's low tech. Not a Luddite, but he believes technology is especially vulnerable to Murphy's Law. He's only recently got into computers and the web.
He believes that men are from Mars, women are from Venus, and government is from Uranus.
Gia and Vicky
The two women in Jack's life. Gia DiLauro is a commercial artist, a striking blonde in her early thirties. Vicky is her grammar-school age daughter.

Abe
Your basic friendly neighborhood gunrunner. Despite being twenty years older (and almost a hundred pounds heavier) Abe Grossman is Jack's oldest and best friend. He runs the Isher Sports Shop as a front for the armory in the cellar.

Julio
Another of Jack's old friends. He runs the workingman's bar where Jack meets many of his customers. Julio is trying to maintain his tavern's original character against the Upper West Side's tide of gentrification. To keep too many yuppies from crowding out his regulars, he stocks only the sourest chardonnay, the bitterest merlot, and decorates the windows with dead hanging plants.

http://www.repairmanjack.com/index2.html