CLASSIC REVIEW: 'FATE OF THE JEDI - ASCENSION'

STAR WARS - FATE OF THE JEDI

BOOK EIGHT: ASCENSION

By Christie Golden

Published in the UK by CENTURY PUBLISHING and in paperback by ARROW

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Having greatly enjoyed Timothy Zahn’s recent triumphant return to the STAR WARS EXPANDED UNIVERSE realm with Choices of One, I threw myself into the next instalment of the Lucas publishing schedule- book eight of the FATE OF THE JEDI series- with a greater sense of renewed reading optimism than I’ve had for the run in several years, hoping that some of Zahn’s story telling fire and magic may subconsciously help me to enjoy this penultimate tale of the new LUCAS BOOKS conceived saga, and that the plot and character developments within its 410 pages would have greatly improved from what I’d read previously in the series. Sadly, I’m afraid that ASCENSION, from recent fan favourite novelist Christie Golden, didn’t quite deliver the expected, and necessary, goods I wanted from a STAR WARS adventure…

As ever there’s lots of fast paced action, traps and escapes, and events are finally, finally moving towards their conclusion, but as has been mentioned in my previous reviews too many times before, this book series really has been padded out to a length far longer than it should have (at least a fifth of the book namely linked to the ongoing Lost Tribe of the Sith aspect in particular (though there are interesting moments here), and the pursuit of the Abeloth creature by Luke and Ben), with the overall novels strained from the heavy burden. Worryingly, certain plot elements from earlier in the series also seemed to have been either shortened or dropped (unless there’s more developments to come in the finale?), which I’m sure will annoy long-term readers of the EU cannon.

Character interactions of our favourite Classic Trilogy heroes feel incoherent and out of character once again, and sometimes I feel that their dialogue often simply doesn’t ring true. Complaints from some fans that Golden’s wordage also feels a bit too juvenile ring true in some sections. On the plus side, though, there is firm development of the supporting characters, namely the ones Golden herself introduced in previous books, in particular the interesting Vestara, who, with her still conflicted Sith heart, continues her strong relationship with Ben Skywalker, which has been an important part of the latter books of the series and which enters an important new phase here. There’s also a new development for the Jedi Order in general-already caught in the quagmire of dangers within intergalactic politics- as Luke makes an important decision regarding their future and their role with the Alliance. There’s also the death of a supporting character that fans of the series will be surprised to read about, too…

And, though the ultimate raison d’etre behind the Abeloth creature, one of the books major opponents for our Force users, is sadly not as all that exciting as its earlier promise indicated, it does at least get to show off some of its major league Dark Side powers quite vigorously towards Darish Vol, the Grand Lord of the Lost Tribe of the Sith (now that’s a mouthful to say!), alongside its accompanying semi-sentient Ship.

The book sees in subplots galore as we reach the story’s last third on Coruscant, of which conspiracies and bids for control of the Galactic Alliance begin to quickly (perhaps too quickly) form and coalesce from a multitude of relatively new Senate characters, though the deposed Chief of State, Daala, surely hoping to be as formidable as our reality’s Margaret Thatcher, isn’t out of the fight yet now that she ‘s allied with Bounty hunter fave Boba Fett and his Mandalorians. There are better moments within all this Political intrigue, witch-hunting, double dealings, intrigue and subterfuge run rampant, but none totally thrill or generate the excitement that this Saga truly deserves and should have had right from the start…

Beyond all the political stuff, readers can still enjoy further aforementioned bouts of traps, daring escapes and fast action sequences (but no lightsaber duels?!) linked to the Sith and the Abeloth quest. But none of that works anywhere near as well if you don’t have an involving, nay compelling, plot. Alas, in that respect, ASCENSION doesn’t quite make the full grade. Plainly put, there are great fantasy writers who can create great STAR WARS adventures, and then there are great fantasy writers. I think Miss Golden is in the overall latter category than the former. 

Despite the books important positioning, it all feels a bit anticlimactic, so let’s hope that the upcoming finale, APOCALYPSE, can at least end the series in some noteworthy, and respectable, style.

AFICIONADO RATING: 3 out of 5

CLASSIC REVIEW: 'FATE OF THE JEDI - CONVICTION'

STAR WARS: FATE OF THE JEDI

BOOK SEVEN: CONVICTION

By Aaron Allston

Published in the UK by CENTURY PUBLISHING and in paperback by ARROW

Reviewed by Scott Weller

CONVICTION, bearing another striking cover from Ian Keltie and David Stevenson, is an overall entertaining set-up for the final two books in the series and Allston’s solid reputation/trademark with STAR WARS fans in providing a fast paced book, sprinkled with his obligatory good humour and well described action sequences of textbook style, remains intact.

Things are certainly not going to be the same again for our heroes in the universe of the Galactic Alliance, as the galaxy undergoes further upheaval and dramatic conflict now that Admiral Natasi Daala’s reign lay in tatters, with her ruthless regime coming to an ends of sorts, as the Jedi finally (finally!) take control of the situation, though it could have all happened a little bit more sooner in the run, I think. But the military strategist/ex-Imperial is still not without supportive and dangerous followers from within the alliance to aid both her continuing cause and powerful ambitions, and it isn’t long before her retaliation is quickly initiated. There’s also the return of two popular characters, from earlier in the series linked to the main plot, whose involvement will intrigue and surprise EU readers, plus the noted and welcome presence of a familiar dented helmeted bounty hunter to spice things up a little.

Meanwhile on the Jade Shadow, the pursuit of the Abeloth, which has survived several defeats already, by the determined Skywalker's and Sith warrior youngster Vestara Khai continues, with a decisive battle to come. And then there’s that pesky Sith death squadron to deal with, too…

On the other side of the galaxy, the rest of our heroes continue their own plotlines. Sadly, however, there’s still not enough worthy material for Han and Leia to do, their plot linked to Klatooine and the Hutt Empire slave revolt, and the sub-plot linked to their granddaughter Allana, may have interest to die-hard fans but hardly had me excited, and I really wanted to skip the pages a little bit there…

Despite a promising last chapter, the overall series narrative faults still persist, and my main criticisms are the same as before: I think the book series could have been far more effective and interesting in a shorter run, and there’s no real deviation from what the viewers expect to read. In fact, some scenes in CONVICTION sizzle out or feel like re-treads. For good or bad, it’s the standard Expanded Universe norm here, but long-term readers who have stuck with it through thick and thin will no doubt continue to enjoy it. As someone who really loves the core Classic Trilogy characters, I’m personally hoping that, like a tense and important England World Cup match, the series closure, successful or not, comes with some more memorable and suitably epic last minute adrenaline surges that will make this overall a satisfying and truly worthy reading endeavour…

AFICIONADO RATING: More of the same, and another mixed bag. 6.5 out of 10

CLASSIC REVIEW: 'FATE OF THE JEDI - VORTEX'

FATE OF THE JEDI - BOOK SIX: VORTEX

By TROY DENNING

Published in the UK by CENTURY PUBLISHING and in paperback by ARROW

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Plot threads begin, coalesce and continue in the next phase of the FATE OF THE JEDI series, VORTEX, and it’s a read that’s of a much improved, faster pace than previous entries in the series have been, with some readers even boldly stating it to be the best of the nine book adventure saga so far, with a “faster, more intense” feel to the plots structure and pacing, and the further development of the younger Jedi inhabitants of the long post JEDI universe-not my greatest of favourites within the Expanded Universe- who, for the most part, are starting to inter-relate well in this adventure with our Original Trilogy heroes (though some of our classic band, like Han, Leia and Lando, still annoyingly don’t have enough to do or make enough of a mark in the storytelling these days!), with Luke’s Skywalker’s son, Ben, improving with each book, and his scenes with his father, many of them action packed in this part of the story, proving very accessible and readable-they’re a great and formidable Jedi pair as they continue their investigations into the Lost Tribe of the Sith (just how many of these hidden outposts are out there?!) following the previous defeat, but still presence felt, of the Abeloth creature.  And poor old Luke, he’s still having a tough time in his relationships with the female sex-this time an old girlfriend with links to that Abeloth nasty. Bad enough that so many of old flames and Mara Jade have passed on-somebody give this guy a break!

Character build up and dramatic conflict linked to the Jedi Council, and their antagonistic crisis with the New Republic, plus the galaxy spanning anti-slavery movement, also continues, especially with regards to the evil Daala, (well, I say evil: gone off the rails would probably be a better word to describe her!). Finally, the plot lines in that area are starting to move somewhere!

Chuck in a few unexpected plot twists (some regarding reader popular Jaina Solo, who doesn’t quite get the story/plot momentum, that fiery spirit, she previously displayed in Allies), Force ghosts, the odd Classic Trilogy alien cameo (you can’t beat Sullustians!) and the continuing development of the feisty Sith Triber warrior woman Veshtara (her relationship continuing to blossom with Ben Skywalker), who is the key hope for the Jedi to have an uneasy truce with their sworn enemies, and bundle it together with lots of action throughout the storytelling (like Ben and Luke’s confrontation with the mysterious Fallanassi on the moon of Pydyr) and, despite a few character inconsistencies here and there, you have an enjoyable enough continuing foray into the STAR WARS universe. As a book, VORTEX is no classic, but it’s diverting enough for a few hours.

AFICIONADO RATING: Another sold read, but, as I’ve said before, could this particular saga have been done better in a shorter, more compact storytelling run? 7.5 out of 10

CLASSIC REVIEW: 'FATE OF THE JEDI - ALLIES'

STAR WARS: FATE OF THE JEDI

BOOK FIVE: ALLIES

By Christie Golden

Published in Hardcover in the UK by CENTURY PUBLISHING, and paperback by ARROW

Reviewed by Scott Weller

There’s an old saying: “The enemy of my enemy is my friend!” That’s never been more true than in the latest entry in the STAR WARS: FATE OF THE JEDI series-book number five- ALLIES, by returning newcomer Christie Golden. Now, Luke and Ben Skywalker must join forces with the dreaded Sith Tribe to take on the ever growing threat of the Maw released Abeloth.

Golden’s second book for the series is no better and no worse than her last one-at times it plods along but there are also some good sequences, dialogue and descriptive passages here and there, though there have been criticisms that there are now too many plot lines being pulled within the saga and that Golden has been effectively buried in them for parts of ALLIES. Personally, the book feels a little disjointed- distractingly so at times. Of all the regular characters, Leia and Han Solo have the least to do, though Luke is one of the better involved heroes, as an old face from the past also returns to complicate matters-the last section of the book, involving Luke fighting the Abeloth is easily the best bit. Of the new characters linked to this continuing series, and having proved quite popular with fans, the lady Sith Vestara surprisingly does not have as much to do as has been seen in previous books, though her bouncy/spunky relationship with Ben Skywalker continues along, despite the odd piece of sparring dialogue here and there between them that doesn’t quite feel as comfortable as it should be. Ultimately, the Lost Tribe of the Sith storyline is not so well rounded, either, though the intentions of having them cause problems on Klatooine is a good story idea, and, having run out of steam a book ago, the Jedi madness plot also seems to be winding down to its eventual close amongst the plot strands, which is good news.

Taking up a vital section of the book alongside Luke, Ben and the Sith is the show trial of Tahiri, due to her allegiance to Darth Caedus. Once again, despite some nice dialogue and occasional dramatic flourishes there is a lot of layering and subtle referencing to our world, and the way celebrity and industrial trials are played in front of the news cameras (which wouldn’t have looked out of place on series like MURDER ONE), that doesn’t quite fit STAR WARS. And I still don’t care about the character Tahiri very much, even if she is very popular within the overall expanded universe fandom. This linked plotline involving the news media is now starting to look a bit played out in the STAR WARS universe, having previously been touched on by Aaron Allston in BACKLASH. Adding additional annoyance is the presence of another new character-a news reporter-whose role is ultimately pointless. More fantasy, more imagination, more STAR WARS-ness please would be preferred for the rest of the series.

ALLIES moves the epic story along at an okay level and does have an exciting climax, though its being the middle point of the series, where it can move things on but not too much, is a flaw all too obvious to see-it’s a curse all series writers reaching this stage in the game have to try and overcome, and not everyone can succeed. Perhaps a little more focus by both the author and LUCAS BOOKS in its pre-determined development would have been helpful.

AFICIONADO RATING: Lots of expansion of plot lines, but not enough cohesiveness and total satisfaction for the reader in following it. ALLIES is not the best of the FATE OF THE JEDI range so far, but with the books climax the rest of the series should rattle on faster now that certain elements are out of the way. And the ending is a strong one that makes it just about worth hanging around for until its end. Oh, and it’s nice to see THE ADDAMS FAMILY actor Ted Cassidy be on a STAR WARS book cover star alongside Mark Hamill. Who knew Lurch was a Sith! 6.5 out of 10.

CLASSIC REVIEW: 'FATE OF THE JEDI - BACKLASH'

STAR WARS: FATE OF THE JEDI

BOOK FOUR - BACKLASH

By AARON ALLSTON

Published in hardback in the UK by CENTURY PUBLISHING. Out in paperback March 2011, from ARROW BOOKS.

Reviewed by Scott Weller

The dramatic stakes continue to escalate for both friend and foe in the STAR WARS Expanded Universe as Aaron Allston-glad to see you’re back on the recovery track- returns to the continuing FATE OF THE JEDI saga that he helped to launch. BACKLASH may be the middle book of the series, but the danger of it suffering from “middle-itus”, of which symptoms can result in little being pushed forward with the plot and characters until the next book, fortunately doesn’t occur, with the author easily pulling together plot strands and breezily easing the reader into the next phase of the series well, increasing the dangers to both the galaxy’s Jedi protectorate and to their dearest friends and allies throughout the Galactic Alliance. It’s most dedicated protectors- Luke and Ben Skywalker- their indomitable outcast plates already full in the tracking of the now Masterless Sith, will soon face the threat of the Dark Side energy called the Abeloth, which acts almost like an intergalactic siren, bringing danger to both the Jedi and Sith clans from its depths deep in the region of space known as the Maw Cluster. What secrets lurk within its creation, and just what exciting, and hopefully disturbing, ramifications will it hold for the future? And just how do events from the previous LEGACY OF THE FORCE factor into the Abeloth’s existence? As the real mystery behind the Jedi’s madness becomes slowly more apparent, could its deadly hand be reaching out to ensnare the Skywalker family?

With one factor for evil intensifying, there’s also an evolution of sorts for the Sith, too, with Allston making good on his promises to begin an era of change for the new strain of Dark Destroyers-Vestara being such an example, possessing abilities that make her more of a hybrid with the Jedi, a situation with dangerous ramifications for both sets of species, we’re sure. Vestara, who looks likely to be a love interest for young Ben, may become the new Mara Jade on the block, and could easily be just as popular in the long run, too.

And its not only Luke and Ben that’s after Vestara, so too are the dreaded Nightsisters from a previous point in the series. But will the hunters become the hunted? And does Vestara have her own plans at work involving all of them?

Within the tale, Luke and Ben continue to work well together, though the plot line involving Vestara and the Nightsisters related to Dathomir I found mixed at best (male slaves and female force-sensitive’s separated –an attempt to do a more intelligent version of Classic STAR TREK’s Spock's Brain, if you ask me!), though I applaud Allston for continuing to try and create believable worlds and cultures that are all the more necessary for the literary STAR WARS realms. On the bright side, though, the sequence of the unification summit being wrecked by the constant appearance of the Nightsisters is pretty good, and its cool to have the Rancors in the book-a nice sense of Round Two for Luke (however, it’s ultimately Ben, who is also swiftly becoming the detective of the series, that really does most of the action work this time!).

As if this plotline isn’t enough, Allston continues maneuvering the books other story threads with the skill of an expert juggler, with none of the padding of previous books in the series. Its almost all systems go now as the book series begins to enter the final home stretch cycle and the author is clearly enjoying himself in his secured story-telling home which, though at times controversial with devotes of the Expanded Universe, he has helped to create.

Away from the Sith, Galactic Alliance Chief of State, Natasi Daala, is well and truly beginning to lose control of her abilities in leadership of the galaxy, and her plot gets stronger and more focused. Though fans have sympathized with her for her inability to converse with the Jedi and her ignorant, sometimes downright spiteful, attitudes to them (as a Force non-sensitive), she’s just plain dumb as a galactic leader and I won’t tolerate her character’s ineptness at helping our heroes any more-whatever her final fate will be in the series, I’m sure she’ll deserve what she ultimately receives. Will the Jedi and the Solo’s have no choice but to help Daala get back her political believability in the face of such recent public crisis? It all gets even worse when Allston adds a failed assassination attempt, targeted at one of her loyal commanders, to the heady mix of political intrigue.

As for Han and Leia, their roles as galactic ambulancemen for the madness stricken Jedi is over, but, with a stopover on Dathomir, their story involvement thankfully picks up for a brief period when finally re-united with Luke and Ben. Sadly, though, the partnership isn’t for long, as another conflict and chain of events emerges that separates them from the Jedi duo and sends them weaving through the books other various plotlines rather than having them stay centralized in one area, which is a bit of a shame as the book really picks up when they are all together. Generally, I feel that the Solo’s still aren’t being used as much as they should be in this series. Perhaps thats set for ammendment in the future…

As always, to bolster up the action and characterization, Allston’s unique trademark humour (especially in the occasionally flippant attitude of Ben Skywalker), which has proved popular with the readers, returns (with the character of Allana and her interaction and confounding of Artoo and Threepio on the Falcon being a sequence you’ll either love or hate). And, as with previous books, there’s also a cliffhanger ending that looks intriguing.

Overall, BACKLASH brings a bit more escapism and adventure to the series, which is nice, though there is the feeling that the younger characters are being more and more developed to replace our older, beloved characters (LUCAS BOOKS, say this isn’t so!!) who are now past middle age in the cannon. Who’d have thought there would be age-ism in the STAR WARS universe?

Hopefully, Christie Golden will pick up the pace from Allston’s enjoyable tome with a book that’s also hopefully going to be of a bigger page count to justify its hardback status: ALLIES.

AFICIONADO RATING: It may be at its middle ground point, but that doesn’t mean that the book suffers too much from the kind of problems normally faced and suffered by writers this deep in a saga run. BACKLASH, on the whole, remains fast paced and generally well executed-a vast improvement on Allston’s first book launching the series. 7.5 out of 10

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'STAR WARS - CRUCIBLE' NOVEL

STAR WARS: CRUCIBLE

A novel by Troy Denning

Published in UK hardback from CENTURY PUBLISHING


Reviewed by Scott Weller


Not yet ready to trade their lightsabers and blasters in for zimmer frames, or willing to enter the Coruscant old folks home, our original Classic Trilogy icons return for one last (?) adventure in Troy Denning's zippily paced action/adventure tale CRUCIBLE, out now in UK hardback from CENTURY PUBLISHING.

45 years on from the film saga and after the tumultuous events of the FATE OF THE JEDI which left the galaxy in a fractured state with the attack by the Sith, this footnote to that two parts good, one part bad book series has a despicable pair of evil, powerful alien twins- the Columi Qrephs- out to take over the galaxy from their mining operation/galactic trade company in deep space, alongside powerful help from an familiar and equally lethal fugitive enemy, with Luke, Han and Leia, plus a little help from friends old and relatively new, being the only people capable of stopping them. But not before the old guys, our true STAR WARS heroes, are put through one helluva wringer emotionally and physically. Han and Leia particularly have it the worse (its like the author was saying to himself, well, what seven shades of hell can I put them through today!), with the bizarre but intriguing aliens having a particularly old and personal grudge against the former mercenary space pilot. "Revenge is a dish best served cold, and it is very cold in space."

Making some sly yet affectionate references to our gang entering their senior years, and lending a kind of "It's not the years, its the mileage" mentality to them, Denning's books may not be one of the all-time classics of the STAR WARS book range, but the overall drama is told well enough to satisfy- our heroes are well captured, the action sequences are pretty big and effectively described (there's an epic fight to the death lightsaber battle which brings in new plot elements linked to the nature of the Force), and there are some further inventive ideas here and there to keep it all afloat (introducing vicious humanoid alien reptiles, Nargons, that are part cyborg, which, at first, prove effective henchmen, plus Han having to fight for his life over a very different kind of Sabacc game). Chuck in some Mandalorians, a vital link to THE CLONE WARS animated series, as well as other FATE continuity, and there's a confection that will surely please a lot of Expanded Universe fans.

Bringing closure to the FATE OF THE JEDI series, CRUCIBLE works well enough as a last-hurrah action piece than in providing any real kind of depthfully affectionate send-off to the characters. If this is indeed the very last book for our older, wiser, but no less heroic-to-the-core Classic Trilogy favourites in this particular time frame, then LUCAS BOOKS have made a wise decision to end it here and now (its well of story ideas now truly run dry IMHO), and on this mostly successful, crowd-pleasing note.

AFICIONADO RATING: 6.5 out of 10