CLASSIC ART: CRISIS POINT!

Players both for good and for evil converge at Coruscant, the centre of the Republic, as the returned Sith, led by the malicious Darth Sidious, launch the final ambitious and apocalyptic phase of revenge against the galaxy. This is James Luceno's splendid events-packed lead-in to EPISODE III, Labyrinth of Evil, seen here via its gorgeous Japanese book cover edition from 2005. If you've never read this page-turner, it's well worth picking up.

OUT THIS MONTH IN UK PAPERBACK: 'CATALYST - A ROGUE ONE NOVEL'

Rebellions may be built on hope but they are also primarily instigated from the need for defiance, as the evil and tyranny of the Empire's despicable new technological terror, a space station with enough power to destroy an entire planet is revealed: the Death Star, its secret construction and plans for final dominance of the galaxy assured unless it can be stopped.

Discover the truth behind its original construction, and the devices and desires of the two men ultimately behind its terrifying inception: ruthless rising star of the Imperial Navy, Director Orson Krennic, and the man he called friend whom he will manipulate, cajole and betray into working for him, dedicated scientist Galen Erso, who with his loving wife Lyra and newly born daughter Jyn find themselves at the very epicenter of tragedy, deceit, danger and revelations that will shock a universe and see the fire rising to a soon united front of humans and aliens determined to fight against this shocking nightmare made reality...

Keeping the story tight and flowing, James Luceno's reader rewarding prequel novel to ROGUE ONE, Catalyst, is out this month (May 28th, 2017) in UK paperback, courtesy of ARROW. If you haven't read it, it's indeed a worthy tie-in to both of the George Lucas created trilogies, and if you already luckily possess it, then a second read in light of the movie's release makes it even more enjoyable.

Get it here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Star-Wars-Catalyst-Rogue-Novel/dp/1101967005/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1494418928&sr=1-2&keywords=catalyst+rogue+one

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY' NOVELISATION

"Welcome to Rogue One!", out now in hardback from CENTURY PUBLISHING.

The arrival of any new STAR WARS novel adventure is something to be worthily celebrated, but when it's the novel adaptation of one of the film series (especially now in this new once-a-year Lucasfilm/Disney era), then there's something even more cherished and special to be savoured. Out now in hardback from CENTURY is ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY, adapted by the well chosen dramatist warmonger that is Alexander Freed, an author of pedigree given the privileged honour of bringing to vivid life on the page the all-important first standalone movie of an  anthology series that will launch a whole new lifecycle of exploration within the George Lucas created universe. Publishing history in the making indeed...

A deadly mission for a new group of heroes.

And if you enjoyed Freed's foray into life, death and warfare with last year's BATTLEFRONT, then you're really going to love his return to conflict here- a solid and quite adult translation of the Gareth Edwards directed adventure, as seen on screen, to book form, of which the the author, following in the footsteps of greats like Alan Dean Foster and Terry Brooks, gets an intriguing opportunity to develop and expand on a diverse and truly life/battle scarred group of redemption seeking central heroes shakily pulling together to risk it all in fighting back against a galaxy-spanning and controlling Empire, and a vital quest to steal the Death Star plans against overwhelming odds - a story that sends them across all corners of enemy territory to a striking do-or-die concluding battle on the shores, skies and space of the lush beach world of Scarif.

A personal journey of courage like never before for thief turned warrior Jyn Erso.

Heroine Jyn Erso's growth from scavenger to Joan of Arc-esque figure is well structured, as is her personal destiny to find her scientist father and fear engineer Galen, after a prior life of hiding and training backstory is explored under the tutelage of her once protector in the skilled and resilient Saw Gerrera. The damaged goods "heroes" alongside her are additionally strengthened beyond the celluloid screen: her trigger ready chaperone in Captain Cassian Andor shows his tough and "necessary evil" duty to the Rebellion, born from a childhood of tragedy that has left its hardened mark on his soul. Then there are the mysterious Guardians of the Whills in Force faithful Chirrut Imwe and his less spiritual protector in the shadowy realist Baze Malbus- a unique friendship forged in honour and battle that gets some exploration, the latter showing true brutality during some neck and bone crunching retaliation against the Imperial Stormtroopers he so hates. At her sanctuary of Yavin IV, there's consequences and action of a different kind- the political ideals and leadership testing of Rebel Leader Mon Mothma given interesting examination, as is her senate history between the events of EPISODE III and ROGUE ONE- Mothma is clearly one of the best fusions of Prequel and Classic Trilogy universes that any STAR WARS fan could ask for.

Next to Jyn, though, its probably former Imperial transport/shuttle pilot with a conscience Bodhi Rook that gets the most expanded character material, especially highlighting his getting by and ignoring it all past, and during his capture and subsequent mind torture by Gerrera and his nomad army on Imperial occupied Jedha. Rook truly is the everyman character we can relate to- the guy caught up in a bigger universe and who has to show his courage in the most explosive of conflicts.

On the rain drenched world of Eadu, Krennic confronts Galen on security matters.

On the enemy side, Freed knows how to make the Empire more loathsome than ever, doing a fine job of character advancing the ambitious Weapons Director Orson Krennic and his love/hate relationship with the scientist he has used and abused for years in Galen Erso- the catalyst for the Death Star, the space station moon whose final construction he plans to cement his reputation on with and for the Emperor. Screen villain great Darth Vader's presence, as in the film, remains brief but essential- a true watchdog to the intensifying power play between Krennic and his rival in Grand Moff Tarkin, the latter as satisfyingly calculating and evil here as he was back in 1977.

With so many trailers and clips showing deleted scenes and an alternate section of the Battle of Scarif, its disappointing that only a few sections of additional dialogue and a few differing action moments make it to the finished book- thankfully, the iconic TIE fighter versus Jyn moment is one such welcome plus. As with all good adaptations, Freed wisely gets to cover up some glaring plot holes- kudos for explaining just how the Expanded Universe named Tantive IV got to be involved in the Battle of Scarif, though a few tribute errors still slip by- one glaringly obvious linked to a certain droid cameo that I can't wait to see Pablo Hidalgo explain away...

The powder keg that is Jedha explodes on the Imperials!

Adding between chapters weight to the drama and its blistering blaster fire and scorched flesh, Freed cleverly weaves in important communiques and documents from Rebel and Imperial lines, from the likes of intelligence reports to the ingenious way that Galen Erso has the thermal exhaust port weakness sneaked in to the Death Star's construction at the last minute, unnoticed by the hungry for activation Krennic - important and further complex shadings of grey added to the universe and era setting, of which Mon Mothma's final tribute to Jyn Erso is nicely handled.

AFICIONADO RATING: Putting the "War" back into STAR WARS, giving us the blood, sweat and tears of new iconic heroes fighting in a time before the return of Obi-Wan Kenobi and the emergence of Luke Skywalker, inside a story that we all wanted to see told cinematically, this is a fine adaptation of ROGUE ONE, working effectively as a continuance of James Luceno's earlier released original story CATALYST, and as the tough and rewarding lead-in to Alan Dean Foster's seminal 1976 work. 4 out of 5

Already a best seller, get the book here: Rogue One: A Star Wars Story: Amazon.co.uk: Alexander Freed: 9781780894782: Books

Get James Luceno's lead-in: CATALYST:A ROGUE ONE NOVEL here: Star Wars: Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: 9781780893679: Books

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'CATALYST: A ROGUE ONE NOVEL'

The men who made the Death Star. All will be revealed in CATALYST: A ROGUE ONE NOVEL.

It’s a well known fact that some of the greatest avenues of scientific discovery and enlightenment discovered by mankind have often ended up being used for purposes less than benign, and no less true than within the incredible fantasy realms of the STAR WARS universe, either, and at the critical point in the saga’s timeline where the tyrannical Empire has emerged to develop the immense and powerful Death Star space station after years of construction setbacks, now housing at its eye core a terrifying prime weapon crafted for the destruction of entire planets- a weapon created from the very best of science used for the very worst and most perverted of intentions. The story of how such evil power came to fruition via its two inventors and primary players for good and evil on Galen Erso and Orson Krennic, a story of matched wills and differing viewpoints, and the dangers that will echo across the universe from their actions, chronicled in the all-new STAR WARS adventure lead-in to the eagerly awaited anthology spin-off movie ROGUE ONE: Catalyst, by respected fan favourite James Luceno, out now in hardback from CENTURY PUBLISHING.

Starting just as the galaxy ravaging Clone Wars is fully underway, power and stability are the goals for both the seemingly benign Republic and the angry and ever pushing forward Separatists to whom they are at war with, a technological race seemingly underway by both sides to create the ultimate weapon to end the conflict but neither yet have the key to unlocking the fateful secrets needed to create that weapon.

Galen Erso: a scientist with a long-term fascination for Kyber Crystals. ROGUE ONE images: Disney/ LUCASFILM.

Enter Galen Erso, the scientist who will bring about the power that will nourish a space station, at first a neutral scientist working for a neutral company on his exploration of the untapped energy potential of those mysterious Kyber Crystals used by the Jedi to power their lightsabers, a mineral off limits to all but the rare few, so far only available to research via synthetic replication. A life of untapped research suddenly opened after a change of allegiances on a far off world sees him captured by Separatists, alongside his research assistant wife, the caring and equally resourceful Lyra, then heavily pregnant with their child, Jyn, in a scenario that provides the Republic with an opportunity to get Galen over to their side of the battle lines and their unique research, and with the perfect man to win him over to their cause.

A once child prodigy, Galen Erso is dedicated and clever, sometimes to the point of being coldly calculating, yet he also manages to show his dedication and love to his family in ways that many never expect- making him a walking idiosyncrasy. For him, the work is not just to the advancement of science but for the benefit of all, and primarily for his beloved family in Lyra and Jyn, the latter soon his little “Stardust”, both of whom he so deeply loves and will do anything to protect.

But being so bright, so resourceful, so passionate, Galen ultimately fails to see the bigger picture and couldn’t be more naive and all too trusting when a once friend and equal riser up the food chain suddenly comes to his aid at the most fortuitous of times.

A prime mover for the Republic turned Empire: Orson Krennic.

Enter Orson Krennic. Not to be trusted and certainly not one to underestimate, Krennic is the shining star of the Republic Special Weapons Group, at the top of the team totem charged with devising the secret super weapon to fight against Count Dooku, from the start knowing that only Galen has the talent and mind-set to fill in the blanks of their stalled project, aware of how to manipulate his friend like the finest of chess players into getting the results that will keep both the scientist under this thumb and equally advance his own career and ambitions to be beside the Emperor in ruling the galaxy.

Caught in the middle of the drama and the crises between such strong willed talents, Lyra Erso is the key player, the innocent, who will help Galen decide their ultimate future. Warm, dedicated, intelligent and capable in her own right, fiercely protective of her husband and little Jyn, she is a woman of science though nonetheless has a belief in the powers of the enigmatic Force, shocked and surprised, as Galen is, with the Jedi’s sudden extinction, and the floodgates to his research that have now opened. Lyra possesses instincts that will not blind her to Krennic in the way that her husband, under the worst kind of invisible house arrest, has been, with her adversary soon realising what a threat she could be to his long-term plans…

Seeing the dangers ahead, Lyra Erso.

As told in three parts, with character drama and consequences building, Luceno, always making the page turn easily and a dab hand at fusing Prequel and Classic Trilogies together whilst filling in potential story/continuity problems along the way, doesn’t forget to incorporate other vital elements central to the overall ingredients of a STAR WARS tale. A spattering of the saga’s favourite characters make welcome appearances in Catalyst, some of whom will also go on to appear during important sections of ROGUE ONE, notably Luceno’s writing favourite Grand Moff Tarkin, whom Krennic soon locks pithy competitive insults and power play rivalry with, plus horned creep Mas Amedda, Palpatine’s right hand man in lies and deception to the Emperor, proving more important than ever before in the all-new Expanded Universe - more so than he ever actually was in the filmed Prequel Trilogy. Also present early on, prior to their ultimate disappearance in the STAR WARS REBELS animated series, the Geonosians participation in the Death Star’s construction continues, their unusual working methods bordering on cruel barbarity, part of a bloodthirsty way of life previously seen with their arena games and the control of the species by its ruthless leader, Poggle the Lesser.

The young Jyn Erso, as seen in ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY.

Branching the story out into other avenues that stop it from being too bogged down in sometimes quite heavy (but plausible) technobabble, additional shades of grey plot and character motivations come from the surprise cameo of a battle hardened veteran of THE CLONE WARS and the upcoming ROGUE ONE- a man with soon important links to the later life of Jyn Erso. There’s also the inclusion of Luceno’s new character of Dresselian smuggler Has Obitt, whose early allegiance to Krennic in his shadowy and exploitative tactics against outer worlds (with resources needed for Galen) at first seem profitable enough, and conscience free, though his feelings soon falter when the true cost to the galaxy starts to reveal itself…

With the Death Star on track for completion by the book’s final act, its here that Catalyst starts coming to vital life, Luceno injecting some much-needed action and conflict before the true lead-in to ROGUE ONE is cemented. Conflict of battle comes in the form of Tarkin's fleet attacking a system needed by the Empire, whilst conflict of character builds as Galen’s singular focus changes away from his work towards fully protecting his family, and the realisation that all has not been what it seemed with Krennic these past few years. But how to escape? And to where?

AFICIONADO RATING: Ticking all the right boxes for the Lucasfilm STAR WARS Story Team's unification of the franchise, Catalyst works well enough as a prelude to ROGUE ONE, mainly thanks to the strong main characters of Galen and Orson that are effectively catered to by Luceno. As an original and satisfying standalone STAR WARS story in its own right, however, it may perhaps be too bogged down in continuity for its own good. Though clearly a rewarding challenge for the author to bring to life, it’s ultimately a medium success in his overall strong track record writing for the Expanded Universe, especially in comparison to earlier, similar film related pre and post publishing lead-ins like Labyrinth of Evil and Darth Plagueis. 3.5 out of 5

Get Catalyst here: Star Wars: Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: 9781780893679: Books

ROGUE ONE: THE PRICE FOR SCIENCE!

Image: Jonathan Olley/Disney UK/Lucasfilm.

Supposedly in safe isolation, Galen Erso prepares for the worst with the long dreaded arrival of his once friend and protector Orson Krennic to his small research station on Lah'mu, in an ominous scene, filmed in Iceland, that sets up the Erso family history, in ROGUE ONE: A STAR WARS STORY.

More will be revealed on the tragedy of the Erso family with James Luceno's upcoming lead-in novel, Catalyst:

Preview: http://starwarsaficionado.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/rogue-one-rain-warrior.html

Get it here: Star Wars: Catalyst: A Rogue One Story: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: 9781780893679: Books

ROGUE ONE: RAIN WARRIOR!

As the Rebels make an en masse night-time attack on an Imperial facility, Jyn Erso shows her true mettle and courage on the rain-soaked battlefield, in this great image from ROGUE ONE.

Before the film's UK release on December 15th, 2016, fans can get to know more about Jyn's tragedy filled backstory, her early relationship with her now missing scientist father, Galen, and his link to the birth of the Death Star and its unique superweapon, in James Luceno's eagerly awaited lead-in, Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel, available in the UK from CENTURY PUBLISHING this 17th November.

Here's the book synopsis:

War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key.

Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity: to continue his scientific studies with every resource put utterly at his disposal. While Galen and Lyra believe that his energy research will be used purely in altruistic ways, Krennic has other plans that will finally make the Death Star a reality. Trapped in their benefactor’s tightening grasp, the Ersos must untangle Krennic’s web of deception to save themselves and the galaxy itself.

Get it here: Star Wars: Catalyst: A Rogue One Story: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: 9781780893679: Books

CLASSIC IMAGE: "YOU'RE FAR TOO TRUSTING!"

Grand Moff Tarkin. She recognised the "foul stench" of his evil the moment she boarded the oppressive Death Star space station, and now Princess Leia Organa has seen that evil at work, having lost her people, her world, to the orders of one cruel man commanding the universe's most fearsome energy weapon. Can anyone or anything help her or the Rebel Alliance in their desperate time of need?

Prior to the revised drafts for 1976 filming, it was planned that Tarkin would have met Leia earlier than this important scene, joining Vader for her prior torture in the cell bay. The idea ultimately made it into Alan Dean Foster's film novelisation.

James Luceno's highly enjoyable novel TARKIN now arrives in UK paperback from ARROW. Find out more about the man, the monster- his psychology and his shocking service and dedication to the Empire: Tarkin: Star Wars: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: 9780553392906: Books

Check out AFICIONADO's review: STAR WARS AFICIONADO WEBSITE: AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'TARKIN'

Get it here: Star Wars: Tarkin (UK Edition): Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: 9781784750077: Books

AFICIONADO REVIEW: 'TARKIN'

STAR WARS: TARKIN

By James Luceno

Based on STAR WARS created by George Lucas

Published in UK hardback by CENTURY PUBLISHING

Available 6^th November, 2014

Reviewed by Scott Weller

NOTE: This review contains mild SPOILERS...

Ever since striding into the conference room of the Death Star and crisply declaring the demise of what had been the then mysterious Old Republic to the militaristic oppression of the Galactic Empire, the rare-titled Grand Moff Tarkin, as impressively played with such distinctive, classy evil by the late, great Peter Cushing, would instantly become a STAR WARS saga fan favourite. Ultimately blown to the tiniest of smithereens along with the rest of that equally feared planet killing machine by story's end, both the character and Cushing, who so enjoyed his experience at making the film and the phenomenon that followed, would sadly be denied the chance of a comeback for the soon inevitable sequel three years later- as far as the future and George Lucas was concerned, dead was most definitely dead in this case, despite a story enveloped in the kind of sci-fi trappings where anything could happen. Fortunately, STAR WARS exploration of its prequel past means that Tarkin’s cruel, nightmare heart lives again within the pages of its now official version of the Expanded Universe, finally and deservedly as the star of his own titular novel, backed with supporting evil from his co-conspirator in darkness, Darth Vader, via acclaimed New York Times bestselling author James Luceno, released through CENTURY PUBLISHING.

Having brought us the acclaimed back story for the Sith Lord Darth Plagueis, Luceno, currently regarded as the master of the STAR WARS origin story, must surely have found Tarkin, especially in his earlier years, as equally worthy a challenge to history compose as the former Sith practitioner, especially within the overall bigger picture of galactic history leading up to the 1977 movie. Ultimately, TARKIN isn’t quite as successful as its predecessor, and feels too short to make its truest impact- mildly hampered by the fact that, like John Jackson Miller’s Kenobi, it feels self-contained yet bears the likelihood of being the first part in a potential series. That’s not to say TARKIN isn’t a well-crafted read, though. Having been involved with the character on and off in the Expanded Universe since 2000, when Tarkin appeared in the pre-prequel tale Cloak of Deception, Luceno clearly is the wisest choice in the LUCAS BOOKS staple to chart his rise to power and influence, giving the villain we love to hate a satisfying through-line arc that makes the title worthy enough to join any fan's collection. 

Interestingly, Luceno provides a genesis for the man/ the monster far different from the way I personally imagined, and it works well enough, with dark shadings to the character reminiscent of Thomas Harris’s Hannibal Rising, if without the blood and gore, focusing on the psychological mindset of his survivalist, harsh clarity of purpose. From living with disciplinarian parents, part of a long dynasty of realist, harsh-talking, yet snobby elitists who’d fight and tame the harsh wildernesses of their frontier world of Eriadu, bearing hunting traditions and skillsets which he'd soon adapt for his own benefit, to commanding one of the greatest superpowers of the galaxy, Tarkin, after a brief purview into the world of politics, soon emerges as the custodian of the keys to the Outer Rim as one of its most feared governors, holding its many peoples enslaved to his fearful decision making, with the technological might and destructive power of the Galactic Empire- its legions of stormtroopers and Star Destroyers- as an extension to his ruthless, stark efficiency. All in service of his respected Emperor, of course…

 

Tarkin and Darth Vader, by the time of EPISODE IV.

Five years after the events of The Clone Wars and EPISODE III, Tarkin is relishing his power base but wants to embellish it further, especially with regard to the new superweapon currently being built in the Geonosis system, of which he is in charge of supervising and protecting the numerous convoys going back and forth to its secret construction. Soon enough, Tarkin will get all he desires, and more, after the stability of the tyrannical Empire is suddenly threatened by a small but dangerous, seemingly Separatist threat, causing havoc in a stolen, unique vessel which he is personally linked to. Havoc that can only be quelled directly via his particular insights and life experiences, allied with the equally zealous Darth Vader (totally in character with the way he appears by EPISODE IV- the unrelenting Rottweiler), whom he develops an intriguing and respecting zenith partnership with- they even get to partake in a memorable space fighter battle later in the story telling. Ultimately, it’s a union specially engineered by that master manipulator Darth Sidious to see whether Tarkin, who's not yet fully aware of his Sith background, can ultimately be trusted with greater power.

Like he did with DARTH PLAGUEIS, Luceno continues to have fun filling in the blanks of the STAR WARS history between EPISODEs III and IV. There’s also an evolution of sorts from Luceno’s previous DARK LORD book, showing us more of the Empire spread across the stars, and its Imperial organisations and their subsections in communications and spying, bringing fear to the universe through overriding control. Plus a nice reference to the unused idea from REVENGE OF THE JEDI of The Emperor having an underground facility deep under Coruscant. Tantalizingly, other matters concerning the Sith duo beyond the Empire are referred to but not revealed- a potential lead-in to something coming up in EPISODE VII, perhaps?

Fans of the original Expanded Universe and the Prequels will be pleased to know that these eras are very much alive and well in the book's pages- one of the first new, officially cannon novels in the run up to VII, backed up with some nice, continued mentions of creations linked to Brian Daley’s time, as well as guest appearances from several popular Imperial baddies from 1977.

In final kudos, Luceno’s celebration of Peter Cushing in the story is further appreciated, as the author cleverly incorporates one of his now classic behind the scenes anecdotes from the original STAR WARS filming into the book- the actor’s legendary ill-fitting military boots, of which Tarkin equally uncomfortably suffers during its opening chapter! Additionally, being such good friends in and outside of acting, the idea of a scene bringing Cushing’s on screen evil together with fellow HAMMER HORROR veteran Christopher Lee’s Count Dooku proves equally inspired and irresistable.

AFICIONADO RATING The Tarkin Doctrine for “Galactic Harmony” is fiendishly alive and nasty in another solid entry for the Classic STAR WARS pantheon… 7.5 out of 10

Get hold of TARKIN here: Star Wars: Tarkin: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: Books

REBEL GENESIS: SUITOR TO A POISONED REALM!

Art by David Smit.

As a lead-in to STAR WARS REBELS, AFICIONADO presents a series of images featuring characters, events and history linked to the ultimate creation of the Rebel Alliance against the Empire.

Surveying the incredible power of the Empire which he now commands in the Emperor's name, the cause dedicated, terror-wielding, cruel governor of the outlying star systems, the repulsive Grand Moff Tarkin, rules with an iron rod and an equally despicable heart- his name despised and hated by peoples across legions of suppressed worlds. With the equally threatening Darth Vader seconded to assist him in the creation of the nearing completion space fortress weapon that is the Death Star, a man/machine whose fire and determination he respects- a genuine dagger blade into the heart of any rising malcontent, the path to the Empire's ultimate dominion of the universe for decades to come seems decidedly assured...

Retaining his title as one of the STAR WARS publishing universe's best authors, James Luceno's new book TARKIN is released next month in the UK, from CENTURY PUBLISHING: Star Wars: Tarkin: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: Books

Interview with Luceno here: Star Wars 7 exclusive: James Luceno on Tarkin & EU canon | SciFiNow - The World's Best Science Fiction, Fantasy and Horror Magazine

REBEL GENESIS: 'DARK LORD: THE RISE OF DARTH VADER' (NOVEL)

As a lead-in to STAR WARS REBELS, AFICIONADO presents a series of images featuring characters, events and history linked to the ultimate creation of the Rebel Alliance against the Empire.

Taking place shortly after the cataclysmic power-shifting of EPISODE III, the new threat that is Darth Vader, servant to Emperor Palpatine, makes his presence, and his immense talents in the Force, felt across the new Galactic Empire, generating terror in his wake whilst also inspiring many questions as to his true identity under the mask, especially from Senator Bail Organa, returned home to Alderaan with a new addition to of his family- the hidden in plain sight baby Leia Skywalker, child of the seemingly deceased Jedi Knight, Anakin Skywalker- and first hand experiencing just how much the galaxy is changing for the worse-fears for the future additionally felt and shared by his former rivals/comrades in the former republic Senate, previously assembled as part of the Delegation of 2000, dissolved but now slowly but surely realising that a new resistance organisation against the rising evil must eventually be formed. Meanwhile, the Jedi Knight Roan Shryne has luckily survived ORDER 66, thanks to the intervention of several Clone Troopers disagreeing with their orders and the chaos taking place around them. In what must surely be considered an early test run for the ultimate format of the STAR WARS REBELS animated series, Shryne, together with a hot headed young Padawan, escapes Imperial pursuit in a clunky but serviceable freighter, the Drunk Dancer (piloted by Shryne's eventually revealed mother), to find new allies and hopeful Jedi survivors in which to eventually fight back. Ultimately, however, fate has other plans for them- our victimised heroes soon propelled into a no other choice conflict against Vader, now rapidly regaining confidence in his abilities within his breathing suit, allied with the insidious and cruel-hearted Admiral Tarkin in attacking the Wookiee worlds of Kashyyyk, enslaving its population as workers for a "special project" being built at a top secret location...

A fast paced, exciting, event packed story, DARK LORD: THE RISE OF DARTH VADER can be enjoyed as both a worthy stand alone novel and as a satisfying conclusion to James Luceno's 2004/5 bookend saga built around the official novelisation of EPISODE III by Matthew Stover. Luceno effectively develops the Vader character into what he will become by EPISODE IV, introduces plot strands that will be expanded by the arrival of the Classic Trilogy (including a nice cameo from the Tatooine hidden Obi-Wan Kenobi), and gives us some interesting, now ultimately one-off appearance Jedi survivors, notably the brave but doomed Roan Shryne. The book's final section, a huge action set piece set on Kashyyyk showing Vader leading thousands of troops into destruction-fuelled battle against the Wookiees, is one of those pivotal moments we'd love to have seen for real in a STAR WARS movie.

Get DARK LORD here: Star Wars: Dark Lord - The Rise of Darth Vader: Amazon.co.uk: James Luceno: Books

CLASSIC INDY: 'INDIANA JONES: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE' BOOK

INDIANA JONES - THE ULTIMATE GUIDE 

By James Luceno

Published by DORLING KINDERSLEY - MAY 2008 FIRST EDITION

Reviewed by Scott Weller

If adventure has a name then it has to be Indiana Jones. And if you’re looking for the name of a book publisher to chronicle his amazing adventures then I can think of nobody better than DORLING KINDERSLEY for their excellent new release, INDIANA JONES: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE visual/text reference work. 

Having previously come up top trumps with their book range for STAR WARS, JAMES BOND and the hit TV series 24, the company seems the natural choice to present a superb compendium of the history of our intrepid archaeologist/ soldier of fortune, and his thrilling adventures throughout the world over the years. Expert travel writer/adventure fictionist James Luceno, whose previous STAR WARS original novels LABYRINTH OF EVIL and CLOAK OF DECEPTION carried on the grand tradition of the pulp adventure science fiction novels that also inspired George Lucas in creating the saga in the first place, showed writing talents on those books that impressed me greatly- his fast paced style proving totally in character to that universe that I have always loved, and bringing an equally precise concoction of character and adventurous flavour to the Indiana Jones series with his new work on THE ULTIMATE GUIDE.

Starting, where else, from the beginning, the book takes a look through, and charts, the history of  Indy from his exploits as a youngster, as witnessed in the early 1990’s semi-educational TV series (presented in a way that almost makes me actually want to watch it (though, puzzlingly, THE SECRET OF THE BLUES instalment with Harrison Ford’s front and back end cameo seems to be strangely absent from the book), through to the final (so far??) adventure in the KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, and charting pretty much every other non TV/film event/adventure involving Mister Fedora man at the same in between, from the many adventures in books, to those of comic, video games and other media. The compilation of facts within Indy’s screen universe is very well done and Luceno’s prose style brings it all together well, adding great detail to events that lead in to the films (such as why Indy went to find the Chachapoyan fertility statue at the start of RAIDERS). As well as the words, the photography chosen to accompany the books epic adventure travelogue is equally excellent and there are quite a few new images I hadn’t seen before (C’mon OFFICIALPIX, go and release ‘em!). Where stills aren’t available for certain scenes/ moment, some great artwork from the comic books is used, as is the addition of screengrabs, the quality of which, presumably from the Lowry re-masterings for the DVDs, is extremely good. The design is beautiful (I loved the opening spreads intros for the films (done the same ways as with their previous STAR WARS books) and easy to read throughout-this really is one of those coffee table books that you really can dip in and out of properly and contentedly-today, if you feel like it, I may want to find out more about Walter Donovan, tomorrow, how about something on the Well of Souls or a look at the landscape of the Tanis excavation sites from RAIDERS. To add to the historical facts and educationalist stance of the YOUNG INDY TV series, KINDERSLEY, being a historical book specialist, also makes the most of the George Lucas doctrine to educate its readers, presenting accurate and highly interesting information on events happening in real life to the simultaneous fictional ones going on within Indy’s world. In some cases, the two have merged together beautifully…

On the other side of the visual coin, the diagrams and illustrations are, as ever, also first rate. Much like the ones created for the STAR WARS SAGA, showing you the insides of secret bases, heavy weaponry, and numerous fighters/alien craft, this book goes in depth into the landscapes and environments of the alternate universe of the Ark, the Shankra Stones and the Holy Grail, as the reader discovers all the exotic places Indy has visited, all the dangerous environments he has become trapped in, and all the foes he has just managed to defeat through sheer willpower, luck or a shrewd type of humanity and skillfulness (special notes must be made of the illustrations of TEMPLE OF DOOM, showing the Kali underground lair and the mountain/Pankot Palace in superb detail- bringing the environment to geographical, and logical, life). There’s even a nice spread on our heroes evolution as a character and that of his costume (including Indy’s weather beaten hat and action dusted casual fatigues).

To top it all off, outside of the character history compiled, there are also excellent sections going behind the scenes of the Saga’s creation, with some excellent artwork (it’s always nice to see that early Jim Steranko conceptual art used so well!) and some pieces that I hadn’t seen before (including unused logo designs early character sketches), nice storyboards from the early movies too, and  nicely production photos of the cast and crew (which add the “family” feel to the book that has been clearly evident on screen for so long), an intriguing behind the scenes ILM spread with some distinctive images of the filming of the Nazi deaths from RAIDERS, and a look at all the publishing (from the early MARVEL comics to the numerous adult novels, and merchandise (from KENNER’S early figures for RAIDERS to their current mighty mugs range!), and even a nice section on the video games over the years. A creation/ behind the scenes timeline tops it off, which is most helpful if you want to see how the Saga came into being-from a few jottings by Lucas in 1973 to it’s current, we can’t wait to see it new release in 2008. All these sections have some great little tit-bits to enjoy that I wasn’t previously aware of.

But the most important question, on everybody’s minds I’m sure, as I write this, is...what about the CRYSTAL SKULL coverage!! Well, not to give anything away, there is a very good section on the film but I have deliberately tried not to read it too heavily-just skimming through parts of it have revealed plot info that I didn’t want to know, but hopefully it won’t spoil my enjoyment (in fact, I know it won’t cause that to happen-I just cant wait to see this movie, anyway!). Though there are no in-depth sections on the characters, environments and the Crystal Skull itself like the previous films (the Producers, quite wisely, wanting to keep it all secret), the on-set stills photography in this section is also superb, and ninety nine percent I hadn’t seen previously in any of the other current film magazines-again, the layout is good, but that really is all I’m gonna tell ya!! There is much deliberately missing in that section, with very little on the AREA 51 part of the movie in particular, though to compensate, there are nice production bits on the film in the making of section to continue to satiate the readers, alongside parts of the storyline (of which a fair bit of the film has probably been revealed-again, though, I haven’t tried to read it! It’s up to you if you want to read it!!). Perhaps they (LUCASFILM/DK) should have waited a little bit and released a fuller version of the book after the film was released. Would that have damaged sales? Possibly, but then they could still re-release the book with additional pages when it comes out on DVD, or perhaps when a fifth INDY film comes along (hopefully I won’t be at an age to match Harrison Ford, as he is now, when it finally turns up! Eighteen years was a helluva long wait, guys!) KINGDOM looks impressive to me in every respect, and the film’s photography within the book gives the impression of a well rounded, and heart pleasingly warm closure to the saga to come, with some nice references to the past thrown in (like the Ark of the Covenant and a special mention of the late, great Denholm Elliot’s character of Marcus Brody).

No matter what happens to cinemas, no matter what happens with movies, we’ll always love adventures stories. And whilst that is the case, Indiana Jones will continue to live on in our hearts and minds. This book is a wonderful celebration of that fact.

So, all in all, another exemplary book from the DK range to add, not only to their own impressive list of book case titles, but your own personal list as well!

REVIEW RATING: "X marks the spot!" An INDY-TASTIC 9/10

AFICIONADO CLASSIC REVIEW: 'MILLENNIUM FALCON' - A NOVEL

STAR WARS: MILLENNIUM FALCON

A novel by James Luceno

Published in the UK by CENTURY PUBLISHING

Reviewed by Scott Weller

Please note: this review contains mild plot spoilers.

“You came in that thing?? Your braver than I thought!”

She may have been described as a “piece of junk” by Luke on his first view of it, or a “buckets of bolts” by Leia, who also congratulated it’s Captain, Han Solo for being so brave as fly in it. She may also have a computer system that even a protocol droid would find difficult to relate to, and have asteroid potholes and blaster scorching all around her hull, but everyone’s favourite flying pizza deserves it’s place as one of the grand iconic sci-fi spaceships of all time, and probably the single most important character in the STAR WARS saga, whose appearances even stretch back over the series past, in film terms, to the Prequel Trilogy, so I was intrigued and delighted to read the news that there was going to be a novel exclusively about the vessel, delving into it’s long history, and past owners… the storytelling scope, presumably weaved into to a adventure with my favourite heroes, seemed grand and looked set to be a winner. Even better, one of my favourite modern STAR WARS authors, James Luceno, who I had previously trusted reading books such as CLOAK OF DECEPTION, made the prospect of a good read, his eighth for the series, even better.

Set two years after the Legacy of the Force series, the book opens in an origin point, with the initial construction of the YT-1300 ship causing trouble in the production line, with it suffering long term damage which will continue to trouble the ship and its future occupants.  We then follow the Falcon from owner to owner until we learn the vessel was both owned and used secretly by members of the Senate and Jedi, as part of an organisation known as the Republic Group, who reveal they had agents working for the Jedi shortly before the Emperor’s initiated Order 66 eliminates so many of the Jedi as witnessed in EPISODE III. 

In the segment set in the modern day, after Allana Solo, the granddaughter of Han Solo, discovers a strange device aboard the ship, Han and Leia are convinced to begin an investigation into the space ship's past owners (something that, though initially reluctant, Han has always intended to look into, though often sidetracked by the many incidents of war and smuggling that he has become embroiled in) and battles to find out the significance of the artifact.


Having originally won the ship from him in a Sabaac game, the ever resourceful Lando Calrissian is the starting point for Han, and then the intrepid threesome work backwards, eventually crossing paths with an agent who was working for the Jedi and was in stasis for almost 60 years while he healed from severe injuries sustained on his final mission.  Once they all agree to team up we discover just what the mission was that was supposed to restore the Republic’s honor and how everyone knows only a portion of the story. 

Additionally, as the story unfolds, we learn more of the different names the Falcon had been called over the many years, including Corell's Pride, Fickle Flyer, Gone to Pieces,Hardwired, High Hopes, Meetyl's Misery, Second Chance,Stellar Envoy, and Wayward Son, as well as the history of it’s many modifications, like who put in the hologame table and how the various owners came to own and lose the Falcon, over the course of time and roles that the vessel would adopt and serve in the STAR WARS timeline, from dodgy smuggling runs to diplomatic missions, to even being part of a travelling circus at one point!! Finally, we even discover the origin of the name Millennium Falcon.

Sadly, despite it’s promise to be one of the best books of the series, on such a beloved vehicle with such a fascinating history to be explored, amidst what should have been some very interesting scenarios described by the Falcon’s previous owners, the books main plot is simply not that exciting or involving, with no real interesting support characters and often failing to maintain my interest (which is pretty criminal for a STAR WARS novel), really acting more as just as filler piece - a bridge to the Legacy of the Force series and setting up events to come in the Fate of the Jedi series. 

Though I’m a fan of Luceno’s work, I only really enjoyed the parts of the book pertaining to what was established by the Classic Trilogy-those things that were official Lucas cannon or at least approved by Lucas. If the “Great Maker” had been involved in certain aspects of the story and in outlining the ships creation, then I would have been more enthused and satisfied. As usual, Luceno’s writing style is fine and he’s better than most at story structure, but this is probably not a book I’ll re-read with zeal like I have his previous Prequel era novels. MILLENNNIUM FALCON is sadly not the tribute novel that I personally was hoping it would be, and as mentioned, is merely a filler introduction to the FATE OF THE JEDI series instead (with everything you need to know about what’s coming up being located in this books last two pages!), which was not what this important book should have been about. Despite Luceno’s and LUCAS BOOKS’s best intentions for fans/readers, it’s the not the must buy read or anniversary-type tribute it should have been. A wasted opportunity.

AFICIONADO RATING: Despite Luceno's previous excellent STAR WARS writing pedigree, this is his first real disappointment for me. 6 out of 10.