Victor Hugo Kebbe

While Star Wars: Darth Maul: Black, White and Red lacks originality and leans heavily into gore and combat, Darth Vader: Black, White and Red is a completely different story.

First and foremost, I have to give a shout-out to the writers and artists involved in this anthology. Every tale is bursting with creativity, and I especially loved how each story maintains its own distinct visual identity.

However, if you’re looking for deep character development to understand Vader better, you might find yourself frustrated. Instead of exploring his psyche, this anthology focuses on demonstrating that Vader is not just a powerhouse in the Dark Side, but also a brilliant and cunning warrior.

Unfortunately, Darth Maul: Black, White & Red falls into the trap of being incredibly repetitive. It’s an anthology of four stories, yet they all feel like variations of the same theme: Maul being a relentless weapon under Sidious. Because the plotlines are so similar, the novelty wears off quickly. It leans heavily on the 'cool factor' of his double-bladed lightsaber and martial arts, but if you’re looking for a deep dive into his psyche or a fresh perspective on his lore, you won't find much here beyond the gore and the combat.

Even though the 'Black, White, and Red' motif offers a great opportunity for bold visuals, the execution here is hit-or-miss. There is a jarring disconnect between the stunning cover art and the interior pencils. Considering the talent involved in the variant covers, the overall artistic direction feels like a missed opportunity for something truly experimental.

No Prisoners was a pleasant surprise I stumbled upon this year. It was also the first Clone Wars novel I decided to pick up, following my resolution to dive more consistently into the Star Wars literary universe.

The book is short and to the point, devoid of convoluted plots or subplots. This brevity is reflected in both the page count and the number of chapters. For those accustomed to the typical Star Wars novel, this often signals a "book that could have been great, but wasn't." I vehemently disagree. From the start, I viewed it as a story perfectly aligned with the episodic format of the Clone Wars series.

Karen Traviss succeeded brilliantly in raising profound questions about war and the Force (specifically, the Jedi monopoly over it). It’s impressive how, within such a limited scope, the author provokes the reader with serious inquiries into the purpose and meaning of conflict.

We also see what might be Pellaeon’s first appearance, right at the start of his military career. He is still immature here, and it’s clear how the events of the following decades shaped such an iconic character. While some argue he feels nothing like the Pellaeon from the Thrawn Trilogy, I found his portrayal fitting. He should be radically different here—he’s much younger and still susceptible to mundane mistakes.

The introduction of Master Altis’s disciples—a group that left the Jedi Order due to its growing militarism and dogmas like celibacy—creates a brilliant dynamic when they clash with Ahsoka and members of the 501st. The questions raised here spark perhaps the most significant intellectual and spiritual growth for Ahsoka, helping the reader understand why she changed so much as an adult.

There is also a brief interaction between Altis and Anakin. It is arguably the most revealing exchange in the book—one that might have altered the entire Star Wars universe had Anakin truly understood the renegade Master’s words.

No Prisoners is a fast-paced, concise read. I suggest readers set aside any preconceptions and give Traviss’s narrative a chance. Without giving away spoilers, the title itself is powerful, but its full weight only lands once you've finished the journey.

I really loved this second volume. The cliffhanger left by the previous issue was resolved very satisfyingly, and the adventure remains intense. Once again, Jason Aaron perfectly captures the rhythm and spirit of the Classic Trilogy, much like Zahn did back in the old Expanded Universe.

I have to comment on the artwork. Simone Bianchi’s work is excellent, and her interpretation of Obi-Wan is fantastic. However, I was blown away by the work of Stuart Immonen and Wade von Grawbadger, which is stunning. The panels are incredibly dynamic, and the coloring is spectacular.

I’d been putting off reading this title for years. Honestly, I haven’t been a huge fan of Disney’s take on Star Wars—except for Andor and Rogue One. Because of that, I’ve spent most of my time exploring the Expanded Universe instead.

So when I finally picked up this debut title, I was in for a real treat! From the very first chapters, I felt that familiar thrill of the Classic Trilogy. The author managed to capture the pacing and energy of those original films in a way that reminded me of Timothy Zahn’s work. Even better, the story treats the canon with respect and delivers one exciting moment after another.

If I had to point out one downside, it would be the cliffhanger. It just didn’t land for me—but I won’t spoil the details. That said, I still think this book is more than worth your time if you love the classic Star Wars films. Discovering it felt like reconnecting with the magic that made me fall in love with the galaxy far, far away in the first place.

It took me years to finally pick up Star Wars: Path of Destruction, and I can explain why. I’ve always been very hesitant about stories set in the Old or High Republic eras—both in the old Expanded Universe and the current Canon.

I know Star Wars is a space opera with zero commitment to hard realism, but it always bothered me to read stories set thousands of years in the past where everyone uses technology and speech patterns practically identical to the movies set in the "present." Technological stagnation like that didn't happen in our own planet’s history, so why should I believe it would be the case in the Star Wars universe?

That’s why I’ve always preferred stories from the Rebellion era or even the New Republic: since the time jump isn't so absurdly huge, it’s easier to relate to those tales. To be honest, I was suffering from a certain bias. This same prejudice kept me away from classic video games like Knights of the Old Republic, The Sith Lords, and The Old Republic for a long time.

However, everyone always spoke highly of Drew Karpyshyn’s books. Since he was the Lead Writer for Mass Effect—my all-time favorite Sci-Fi video game series—I decided to give it a shot, and I don’t regret it one bit.

You can’t say Karpyshyn writes in a flowery style or that his book offers deep philosophical musings. It is direct, very clear writing that doesn't get bogged down in the weeds. It’s evident that he "tells everything he wants to tell" without insulting the reader's intelligence.

One of the book’s strongest points is that it focuses on the great villains of Star Wars: the Sith! But it does so from their perspective, which is brilliant. The Dark Side is portrayed here as extremely complex, not merely a stereotypical, shallow version of "evil." We follow the story through the lens of Dessel/Bane, and we end up understanding exactly what Bane does and why he does it. Our protagonist encounters very well-crafted characters who highlight various ambiguities regarding Dark Side philosophies. Kaan, Kopecz, Qordis, Githany… they are all fascinating characters that ultimately make Bane shine.

Peak Nostalgia: A large part of the book takes place on Ruusan. If you are a fan (like me) of the classic game Star Wars Jedi Knight: Dark Forces II, everything is incredibly interconnected. If you played the game first, your reading experience will be elevated. And if you read the book first, your experience with the game will be equally enriched. I thought this concept—and the way it was all tied together—was fantastic.

The Highlight: At one point, Bane ventures to the Unknown World and enters Sith ruins. If there is one thing I absolutely love, it’s this type of xenoarchaeology à la Revelation Space or The Engines of God. I only wish there had been even more vivid descriptions of Korriban and the Unknown World.

The Weak Point: It might just be my impression, but the final 10 chapters felt slightly rushed. We are introduced to a powerful artifact that is central to the plot, but it is presented very quickly and lacks narrative weight.

In summary, it was an excellent reading experience and absolutely worth it to understand the complexity and nuances of the Dark Side. I already have the next books in the trilogy in hand to continue my journey.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I’ve known about The Truce at Bakura for ages but never gave it a shot until now.

Since my foundation in the Expanded Universe was built on Timothy Zahn's work, I was always a bit skeptical of Kathy Tyers' take.

I worried that, as one of the first books to explore the immediate aftermath of Return of the Jedi, it might suffer from the 'pilot episode' effect-feeling inconsistent or experimental.

It brings the classic crew back together for a solid, self-contained adventure. The pacing is great—no loose ends, no filler. Honestly, it’s one of the most well-balanced Star Wars stories I've read.

The plot kicks off immediately after Return of the Jedi. The heroes are totally drained and dealing with the aftermath of the Battle of Endor, but obviously, the fight didn't end with Palpatine and Vader.

When Bakura, an Imperial controlled planet, sends a distress signal meant for the Emperor, the Rebels intercept it, and boom—new mission.

The only thing that didn't work for me were the alien villains. The Ssi-Ruuk feel totally out of place in Star Wars. I guess since dinosaurs were huge in the 90s, they tried to ride that wave, but it feels forced. I honestly had to ignore the whole 'space dinosaur' vibe at times just to keep enjoying the story.

One aspect that really struck me was the uprising on Bakura at the end of the book. Maybe it’s because I was reading this while finishing Season 2 of Andor, but it became painfully clear to me just how much the population was at their breaking point, barely tolerating the Empire's atrocities.

The Imperial Governor is easily one of the most despicable characters in the story, showing absolutely no regard for the people he publicly swore to protect. The revolution in the finale is incredibly impactful; it’s a grassroots movement—a true 'bottom-up' revolt. It illustrates clearly that the Empire can only seize and hold power through fear and oppression, whereas freedom is a pure, abstract idea that sparks to life all across the galaxy.

Other than that, it’s a fun, quick read.

May the Force be with you.

I have mixed feelings about this title, Star Wars - The Hyperspace Stories: Qui-Gon. I really like Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi, and the whole idea is very intriguing.

An ancient Dark Side faction? A secret temple in Jedha? Even Count Dooku is interested? A space archaeology plot with a derelict ship so incredibly old that it's fused with some asteroids?

It all sounds too good to be true. Unfortunately, George Mann can't fully develop everything satisfactorily due to space limitations. Certainly, it could have been much more elaborate. However, what really disheartened me (and heavily influenced my final rating) is Andrea Mutti's artwork, which feels rushed and even generic, not matching the story's scope.

Another excellent volume recounting the story of Kanan Jarrus (from Star Wars Rebels) during his time as the padawan of Jedi Master Depa Billaba. Just like the previous volume, this one maintains a consistent narrative, delivering an engaging and entertaining story.

In this volume, Kanan’s character development takes center stage. We witness his struggles with the responsibilities of being a Jedi apprentice amidst the backdrop of the Clone Wars. His internal conflict between following the Jedi Code and dealing with the harsh realities of war adds depth to his character. Kanan’s evolving relationship with Master Depa Billaba is particularly compelling, showcasing moments of mentorship, trust, and the challenges they face together. This growth lays the foundation for the more mature and battle-hardened persona he exhibits in Star Wars Rebels.

However, the final parts are illustrated in a style that closely resembles the Star Wars Rebels animation, which, in my opinion, is a downside of this work. While some fans might appreciate this visual continuity with the series, I personally find that it detracts from the comic's unique artistic identity.

As I've been quite accustomed to reading Star Wars books for several decades (I’m a notorious fan of the Expanded Universe) and I must confess that I'm rather picky when it comes to the saga's comic books. They are usually disjointed, loosely connected to the movies or the books themselves, and often feature overly exaggerated plots.

However, I came across a comic book that is genuinely fun, nostalgic, and closely aligned with what was presented to us in Star Wars Rebels. Not only is it fascinating to understand the journey of our protagonist, Kanan Jarrus, but it's also great to see this story told in such an engaging and entertaining way.

Needless to say, the opening and closing scenes featuring the Ghost crew are incredibly nostalgic. In this volume, we can grasp the traumas, anxieties, and motivations that drive our protagonist to start his own rebel cell.

I also appreciated how the Republic and the Empire are portrayed in this volume, unafraid to showcase the horrors of war. Order 66 was presented swiftly, effectively, and in an extremely disturbing manner.

I'm excited to continue my reading with volume two. May the Force be with you.

Timothy Zahn is widely considered one of the cornerstones of the Star Wars Expanded Universe. Indeed, it is impossible to imagine this universe without his masterpiece, the Thrawn Trilogy. These books, which paved the way for everything that followed, introduced us to his most famous creations: Mara Jade Skywalker, Grand Admiral Thrawn, Joruus C’Baoth, and Talon Karrde.

I vividly recall reading the trilogy for the first time and being fascinated by the richness of detail and how Zahn managed to capture the essence of the original films. It was all there: not just the voices and behaviors of the classic characters, but their placement in a pulsating, living, and—poetic license aside—realistic universe.

Survivor’s Quest is, in a way, an offshoot of that original trilogy, maintaining a direct link to the legacy of the late Admiral Thrawn. It is the opportunity fans had been waiting for to see the development of Luke and Mara Jade’s relationship as a married couple and how they handle adversity together. It certainly laid the groundwork for what we would see in later titles, such as the New Jedi Order series.

The plot begins while Mara Jade is still trying to "clean up" after her former employer, Talon Karrde, regarding broken agreements with other smugglers across the galaxy. Amidst this, the couple receives an invitation from the Chiss Ascendancy to visit the wreckage of the recently discovered Outbound Flight, an ancient Old Republic colonization expedition that carried several Jedi—including Joruus C’Baoth.

Seeing this as a window into the history of the Old Jedi Order, Luke immediately recognizes the potential for learning. Burdened by Yoda’s charge to pass on his knowledge, Luke constantly doubts whether he is leading the New Jedi Order correctly. Filled with uncertainty, he convinces his wife to embark on this journey into the past in search of guidance for the future.

They do not head into the heart of the Unknown Regions alone. Beyond the Chiss escort—the discoverers of the wreckage—they are joined by the Empire of the Hand (a sanitized and supposedly benevolent version of Palpatine’s old Empire), the Geroons (a species claiming to have been saved by the Jedi of the ancient ship from a predatory people), and "Ambassador" Jinzler, a former employee of Talon Karrde with a strictly personal agenda: finding traces of his sister, Lorana, a member of the original Outbound Flight crew.

However, not everything is as it seems. The journey takes on the tone of a mystery story akin to Agatha Christie’s Murder on the Orient Express, but maladroitly executed. We eventually discover that the Geroons are, in fact, the very predatory people (the Vagaari) they claimed to be victims of. In the end, this twist transforms the "Geroons-who-are-not-what-they-seem" into the story's main villains, but the reveal feels rushed and disjointed.

I often wonder if the Zahn who impressed me so much in the Thrawn Trilogy spent all his creative force on those first books. In my opinion, almost all of the author’s works following that trilogy are weaker or uninteresting. Perhaps he raised the bar too high, becoming unable to keep up with or maintain his own literary quality.

The narrative as a whole fails to engage. This is the second time I’ve read this book (after a gap of more than a decade), and it was often a slog. Survivor’s Quest also suffers from raising too many questions that would only be answered in another of the author’s books, Outbound Flight. The problem is that Outbound Flight tells the original events of the expedition (a prequel) and was released years later. It feels as though the author assumes we will read both books in tandem. If the intention wasn't to sell a mandatory duology, why trap the reader like this?

Another issue that bothered me—and which is, unfortunately, quite recurring in both the Expanded Universe and the new Disney canon—is the requirement for encyclopedic knowledge. The author writes as if the reader has an "internalized Wookieepedia," religiously following every book, comic, and game.

Many use the vastness of the Star Wars universe as an excuse for this reliance on constant Google searches to understand a simple plot (the worst-case scenario being James Luceno’s books, which are cluttered with excessive connections). However, it is perfectly possible to tell a contained, fun, and meaningful story without requiring the reader to be a lore scholar. An excellent example of this is Kenobi by John Jackson Miller, which delivers a complete experience with a clear beginning, middle, and end.

This afternoon, I read Jody Houser’s comic book adaptation of Thrawn. At the same time, I’ve been rereading Timothy Zahn’s Survivor’s Quest—which focuses on the Chiss—for the first time in years. Both experiences have been shockingly dull and exhausting. I get the feeling that Zahn gave it his all—spending every ounce of his creative energy—on the original Thrawn Trilogy, leaving his later works feeling lackluster by comparison.

In the comic, we get a version of Thrawn that feels like a watered-down shadow of the original Expanded Universe character. On top of being diluted, he’s incredibly boring and uninteresting, with a trajectory that couldn’t be blander. And poor Eli Vanto just seems out of place the entire time.

Meanwhile, part of the story covers Arihnda Pryce’s journey, but in a very disjointed way. The whole subplot involving the 'doonium' mineral is tedious and feels like it was shoehorned in just to force a connection between the book and the Rebels animated series.

Then there’s Survivor’s Quest, which covers Luke and Mara’s adventure in Chiss space. I had forgotten just how much of a slog this book is, too. It is shocking that even Zahn’s signature character, Mara Jade, feels nothing like the Mara Jade from the Thrawn Trilogy! I really don't understand what happened there.

However, the biggest weakness in both works is that—like many entries in both the Expanded Universe and the post-Disney canon—the authors assume readers are religiously keeping up with every single movie, show, book, comic, and video game released. It turns the story into a disjointed Frankenstein’s monster that is only comprehensible to people who have memorized Wookieepedia.

Continuing my journey into the Star Wars: Legends - New Jedi Order series, I’ve reached Balance Point by Kathy Tyers. Although she is a significant writer in the Expanded Universe—especially for The Truce at Bakura—this is the first book of hers I’ve actually read.

The book is quite engaging, largely because we finally get the active participation of the Skywalker-Solo family in the war against the Yuuzhan Vong. Up until now, the previous two books by James Luceno placed all the emphasis on Han Solo’s solitary journey as he distanced himself from his family following Chewbacca’s death.

Balance Point unfolds around a philosophical (and perhaps even theological) crisis regarding the role of the Jedi within the Star Wars universe. Jacen Solo becomes the narrative focal point, serving as the vector through which his role as a Jedi, as a Skywalker descendant, and his responsibilities are constantly questioned.

At times, Jacen’s reticence to accept his role is frustrating, yet it forces the reader to abandon that rather cliché (or at least conventionally accepted) and black-and-white trope that every Jedi is and should be viewed as a "good" hero. However, faced with the war against the Yuuzhan Vong and the inefficiency of the New Republic (and the Jedi) in the confrontation, various rogue cells begin to question Luke’s teachings. Amidst all this, Jacen questions and doubts his own role.

For the reader, it is a refreshing approach, combined with the unpredictability of the war against the Vong. If before we always knew that the classic (or Legacy) heroes would never die at the end, in the New Jedi Order, we can no longer be certain of anything.

Very intelligently, the author discusses not only Jedi ethics but brilliantly presents how loyalties in the New Republic aren’t automatic. Those treated as enemies might turn out to be the narrative’s saviors, while friends can easily abandon longstanding friendships for the sake of survival. All of this makes the plot much more grounded and mature, consistent with the "growth" of the Star Wars fanbase (something we see today in Rogue One and Andor, albeit with a nearly 20-year delay).

Something needs to be said: Tyers knows how to portray these characters as human beings without losing the traits established in the classic trilogy. Of the first six NJO books, this might be the first that finally knows how to treat Leia Organa Solo and Mara Jade Skywalker as "real human beings," moving beyond the sexist projections of previous books that emphasized roles like "good wife" or "wise mother." It is a genuinely more adult book that, unlike today's canon books and comics, does not insult the reader's intelligence.

It definitely isn't the single best read of the year, but it is certainly one of them.

The Dragonbone Chair was one of the best books I read this year, 2025. Despite that, the book had been sitting on my Kindle since 2019, silently waiting for the right moment to be brought to the top of my TBR (to be read) list. And what a magnificent book it turned out to be.

The Dragonbone Chair is a refreshingly original and surprisingly under-discussed or "un-hyped" fantasy novel, especially considering how many significant works in the genre it inspired. Everyone is a little tired of common fantasy tropes, and we’re all fed up with the same formula that mimics Tolkien, which is so prevalent in some genre books. The Dragonbone Chair, however, plays with and subverts some of those ideas, keeping the reader hooked until the very last pages, unsure of exactly what will happen next.

Osten Ard is truly impressive. The book is set in several specific regions, such as the castle of Hayholt (Asu’a), Naglimund, Aldheorte, and the frozen north, and all of these places are rendered in stunning detail. While I absolutely loved the sections set in the snowy corner of Osten Ard, I can't forget the ancient forest of Aldheorte. What an amazing place!

There are some clear borrowings from our own history, such as the presence of a religion quite similar to Christianity (though under different names). It’s also evident where George R. R. Martin drew so many ideas for A Song of Ice and Fire; however, this doesn't detract from the enjoyment of either work. The book is beautifully written, but it has a distinctly slow pace in the beginning. I read somewhere that the book is structurally uneven, with the beginning being slower than the ending, which some might deem "poor" or "badly structured." I disagree. I don't believe it's poorly structured, and the beginning (with a slow pace consistent with the rest of the book) is essential for us to get to know the characters and the setting.

I actually believe the author intended to maintain that deliberate, measured pace at the start, precisely to show what life was like for Simon (the main character) before he undergoes drastic changes throughout the narrative. This contrast is important, and it ties in perfectly with the book's ending (which concludes a cycle flawlessly).

It's also beautifully written, and it's really nice to see the slow (but steady and quite rewarding) character development. I followed along some chapters with the audiobook, and it was great. The Booktrack Edition has an amazing soundtrack and sound effects, and the narration by Andrew Wincott is superb.

I’m still seriously thinking about this book. It was clearly a long journey, brightened with several very impressive ideas. Perhaps this is the great merit of Revelation Space, that of bringing an almost infinite succession of impressive ideas in stunning and richly detailed and imaginative scenarios. If I keep thinking about the book, even after it’s finished, I think it’s a quality to be noticed.

However, the book is also marked by the author’s truncated writing. For me it was clear that Reynolds likes to “show and not tell”, which seems like an interesting idea (and very overvalued these days). However, Speculative Fiction books (such as Fantasy and Science Fiction) still depend a little on a more traditional approach, just when the book brings so many innovative ideas. For many and over again I saw myself rereading some excerpts and wondering if I had lost something in the middle of the way.

Some readers complained on-line that the author is long-winded and that the book could be smaller in relation to the number of pages. I don’t consider this a problem, because it was a very slow build up (and that’s ok). However, the author could have been a little clearer and more direct in presenting some of his ideas, but I understand that it is a matter of style.

Update (November, 2025): I read this book a few months ago, and I’m still thinking about it—the main plot, the characters... I got the recommendation from an internet article mentioning books that are similar to the Mass Effect video game series and, in that sense, I wasn’t disappointed at all. It has everything: space archaeology (which is such a cool idea), the feeling that we’re alone-but-not-alone in the universe, the grand scope of things, and the sense that we, as mankind, are nothing compared to the great scheme of the universe, with a huge menace lurking in the galaxy, etc.

In that regard, although I wasn't disappointed with the book, the central revelation wasn't a big surprise to me. I had read John McDevitt’s Engine of Gods earlier, and the plots are quite related. But if there's one idea that truly impressed me, it was the way the Ultras and their technology challenge our contemporary perception of time.

That completely changes everything: the way we think about humankind, how we view ourselves as a society and a civilization, and, crucially, how it transforms and challenges our own consciousness as individuals, deeply affecting our idea of identity. That’s really awesome, and it's still eating away at my mind.

This is one of the best Ancient History books today. Its tiny size is misleading if you think it’s a short text book: the author proposes a bold theory to rethink Ancient History as being, in fact, the history of connections and exchanges and the entire Mediterranean Sea. From this new perspective, everything needs to be rethought: Greece, Egypt, Tyre, Carthage, Persian Empire, Roman Empire, Hellenism... the theoretical gains are immense.

It's hard to rate this one. Since it was part of my childhood, it's hard to shake off the nostalgia. However, it's even harder to escape the prejudices of its time. Almost all Tintin comics are full of prejudice and racism, exalting the alleged intellectual and moral superiority of the white European man.

In this particular title, we see the courageous Tintin killing wild creatures in the forest, doubting that the “indians” can be medical doctors and deceiving the native population with his scientific knowledge. It's really hard to read these things nowadays.

Path of Deceit is one of the first titles of Phase II of Star Wars High Republic. I decided to give the new phase a chance, knowing that I did not have the best experience with Phase I (I lost the desire to follow this series at the time thanks to the book [b:Light of the Jedi 51637946 Light of the Jedi (Star Wars The High Republic) Charles Soule https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1582619576l/51637946.SY75.jpg 76212411], by [a:Charles Soule 1641284 Charles Soule https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1679508257p2/1641284.jpg], a book that was sold as being for adults, but was practically written as a YA book). This time I saw that Path of Deceit was written as YA, which helped me adjust my expectations. Compared to the themes of Phase I, Phase II seems much more interesting. The idea of explorers and Pathfinders is really cool and the threat to the established order makes more sense than the space bikers who are the Nihil. I intend to continue following Phase II.It's not easy to judge or analyze a YA book as an adult. We assume that some tropes are expected and others should be avoided. There isn't much room (nor the intention) for the development of more three-dimensional characters, which means these books don't provoke some kind of connection with mature readers.With Path of Deceit it's no different. The characters are flat and do not show great development. For example, the character Marda Ro, who is a naive and fanatical teenager from the Path of the Open Hand sect, ends the book as a naive and fanatical teenager (perhaps even more fervently fanatical than before). Kevmo Zink, the Jedi padawan of the story, is the same: he appears and disappears in the same way he appeared, without significant developments.I have this impression that, unfortunately, the current Star Wars YA books follows the same formula, which focus on two teenagers of opposite sexes living a forbidden or impossible romance. This appears in [a:Claudia Gray 1192311 Claudia Gray https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1234643683p2/1192311.jpg]'s book [b:Lost Stars 25067046 Lost Stars (Star Wars) Claudia Gray https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539015804l/25067046.SY75.jpg 44751860], but perhaps because of its novelty, [b:Lost Stars 25067046 Lost Stars (Star Wars) Claudia Gray https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1539015804l/25067046.SY75.jpg 44751860] was better in this respect.In Path of Deceit we have the same formulaic solution of the love-struck couple who cannot get involved, but ends up being the focal point of several major events happening in the background, such as the theft of Jedi artifacts on one side and a plan to destroy the Jedi Order on the other. As the goal of the story is to tell about this romance and not about everything else surrounding it, other characters and/or factions appear more or less unbalanced. If you expect to read a book with a Jedi adventure or something similar, perhaps this title will be a disappointment.Despite my criticism, the writing is fluid and very well articulated. [a:Tessa Gratton (Author) 30190959 Tessa Gratton (Author) https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] and [a:Justina Ireland 5833089 Justina Ireland https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1601064644p2/5833089.jpg] know what they're doing. I would have loved this book if I had read it at 15 years old. The book deepens some knowledge of the Star Wars universe and expands a bit more on canon. I confess that I am not excited to continue with [b:Path of Vengeance 61176500 Path of Vengeance (Star Wars The High Republic) Cavan Scott https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1665326764l/61176500.SY75.jpg 96437193] by [a:Cavan Scott 87934 Cavan Scott https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1654767185p2/87934.jpg] (mainly because of the author's writing style, which I am not very fond of).

This reading was so outstanding that I've had to read it again few days later.

I really like this book. It is one of the best analyses about Shinto that exist today and deserves to be side by side with the reading of Toshio Kuroda, John Breen, Mark Teeuwen and Bernhardt Scheid.

The third book in the New Jedi Order series was a very frustrating reading experience. As I had promised myself to read all the books in this arc, I ended up getting through it after several attempts. I felt bogged down at several moments. It took a while for the reading to flow satisfactorily. Later, I listened to the audiobook to refresh my memory of some events before writing this review.

Honestly, I have mixed feelings regarding James Luceno's writing. His verbose and encyclopedic writing style ultimately becomes an obstacle to a more fluid or organic narrative. At times, it seems that the author's main concern is to discuss the origins of the “Corellian Bloodstripes” on Han Solo's pants instead of focusing on truly important plot points.

As I said previously, it is not, and has never been, the objective of Star Wars to debate serious topics, despite them appearing in the text and driving the narrative. The book presents the struggle of the New Republic (or rather, just a few people from the New Republic, like Ambassador Leia Organa Solo) to help the various waves of refugees fleeing the war against the Vong. This is an urgent topic that is present in our real world.

This book also provides closure to Chewbacca's death. Han Solo finally abandons his depressive stance and decides to embody something more nihilistic. He is our hero without purpose; however, he forgets his role as a father and husband and abandons his family at such a critical moment, the backdrop of war.

This Solo narrative about the “need to find balance” is portrayed in the book in a controversial way. Leia is presented as the always compliant and understanding woman/mother, ignoring her own more pressing needs. This is a sexist interpretation, and unfortunately quite common in the franchise's books during the 1990s (after all, the vast majority of these books were written by men).

Another issue with this book (but perhaps it was my expectation being misplaced) is that I imagined we would have a more in-depth presentation of the Vong's religious dimension. I say this because the main villains in this book are Vong priests and acolytes. However, this is all presented shallowly and without depth—it was a missed opportunity.

To conclude, although I read this book for the first time very recently, I didn't remember almost anything that was written. I listened to the audiobook as if I were encountering this title for the first time. This feeling left me quite disappointed and speaks volumes about this installment.

[b:Dark Tide II: Ruin 320357 Dark Tide II Ruin (Star Wars The New Jedi Order, #3) Michael A. Stackpole https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1331429816l/320357.SY75.jpg 1134103] brings us the direct continuation of the events that occurred in the first volume of the Dark Tide duology. [a:Michael A. Stackpole 17739 Michael A. Stackpole https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1207602690p2/17739.jpg] manages to keep the pace of the narrative steady, but intense.In this book we have two new interesting points to be added to the political tension present in the first volume. Firstly, we have a growing distension within the Jedi, largely motivated not by divergent philosophical or religious thoughts, but by ego and naivety. Kyp Durron leads a more individualistic and short-sighted faction of the Jedi, while Luke takes a more moderate and cautious stance.One of Durron's followers, Daeshara'cor, ends up being motivated by revenge against the Vong, threatening to build a powerful weapon like the Death Star to put an end to the alien invasion. For those who know the reckless Kyp Durron from [a:Kevin J. Anderson 4845 Kevin J. Anderson https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1215310030p2/4845.jpg]'s Jedi Academy trilogy, the only and best thing I can say is: “like master, like apprentice”.I would like to say that “for the first time our heroes have some secret or McGuffin capable of defeating the Vong”, but that is the constant of each book in the series. Our heroes always manage to contain (at least for now) the invasion, but the costs are extremely high. However, how they do in this book gives us a great sense of satisfaction.The ending, which in turn involves Senator Elegos A'Kla, is quite tragic and, perhaps, one of the darkest moments in Star Wars so far, perhaps comparable to what happens with Chewbacca in [b:Vector Prime 192214 Vector Prime (Star Wars The New Jedi Order, #1) R.A. Salvatore https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1412181316l/192214.SX50.jpg 2799032] (in my honest opinion, what happens to A'Kla is even worse).I don't need to say that this is a duology and it only makes sense to read both books to have a better reading and entertainment experience. [a:Michael A. Stackpole 17739 Michael A. Stackpole https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1207602690p2/17739.jpg] doesn't disappoint and I guarantee it's hours of frantic fun.

It was a very interesting journey. For fans of Vampire: The Masquerade and Vampire: The Dark Ages, this is a novel that brings some very cool things, such as the crusade of Latins and Franks who invade Constantinople in the 13th century and end up putting several wheels of fate in motion (This is Medieval History, not spoilers).

I can't say it's a great work of fiction and fantasy, but it's engaging. I feel that those who do not know the aforementioned RPGs will not be able to fully understand everything that is happening in this novel (which is a flaw, in my opinion).

I just finished rereading Star Wars – The New Jedi Order: Onslaught. I don't know if it's because I've read this book several times in the past, but it definitely brings a warmth in the heart. I really like the way [a:Michael Stackpole 19077986 Michael Stackpole https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] writes and makes us feel at home. I really like the way he approaches the main characters and makes the reader feel connected with the Solo brothers.It is worth saying that, despite being a small book, a lot happens! There are several scenes and adventures and all equally important. [a:Michael Stackpole 19077986 Michael Stackpole https://s.gr-assets.com/assets/nophoto/user/u_50x66-632230dc9882b4352d753eedf9396530.png] has always known how to balance and tell the narrative in an agile way. It's no surprise that he's one of the big names in the Expanded Universe, mainly due to the books in the X-Wing series.One of the main points of the book is about the political tension involving the New Republic. Despite having lived alongside the great heroes of the Rebel Alliance, the current politicians presented in this story seem much more concerned with personal agendas than with the political stability and security of the new government. Apparently, pettiness and smallness still haunt the world enough for people to forget the atrocities done by the Empire (it's a very current issue in our real world, considering I'm writing this in the beginning of the XXI century).I really liked Luke Skywalker's initiative in creating reconnaissance missions led by cells of Jedi Knights. Each group has its own adventures and series of difficulties, but gathering information that will be important in the end. Of these, I really like Luke's trip with Jacen Solo to Belkadan, when they really begin to realize the size of the problem and the threat that the Vong are. Bioengineering was one of the major themes of Science Fiction in the 1990s and is very well represented here.It is a book that has no philosophical depth. Despite touching on sensitive topics (environmental issues, our current relationship with technology, recurring family issues, etc.), it does not promote any deeper discussion about any of it. That is not and has never been the goal of any Star Wars movie/comic/book, but it is a fun book after all.

I’ve been struggling with the Star Wars: The High Republic, to say the least. I’ve been trying to read Light of the Jedi since 2022, but to no avail. I don’t know what happens, but I must say I don’t enjoy Charles Soule’s writings (his comic books included). Instead, I moved to “the old, but gold” Old Jedi Order and I’ve just finished Vector Prime, by R. A. Salvatore. I also have my problems with Salvatore, but this book is so much more compelling.

One of the best things about going back to the old Star Wars Expanded Universe is… going back to the Expanded Universe! I really like the idea of Han and Leia having children, and Luke Skywalker getting married (and having a kid also); that was interesting. It showed us that Star Wars was growing old with its readers in a respectful manner. Sometimes I think the new Disney canon patronizes its readers because the writing is so lazy.

I have read several books and comics of the new canon and several times I have had the impression of being treated like a child. It seems clear to me that the new editorial policy of Disney Publishing is to think of Star Wars as aimed solely at YA (Young Adult). This is evident either by the way these books and comics are being written, or by the absurdly childish plots. Star Wars has never been the supreme example of literature, but that also does not mean that its readers are dumb.

Of the new books, some writers are really great. I really like Claudia Gray’s writings and Alexander Freed’s Alphabet Squadron series. However, two writers are not enough to sustain a whole new canon. The old Expanded Universe ends up being more solid and consolidated than much of what has been published in the new canon.

The first book in the New Jedi Order series has some flaws, of course. Still, Vector Prime is an excellent opening for this series of 19 books. The series itself presents the Star Wars characters aimed at an adult audience that has already established their families and has to deal with the hardships of everyday life.

In this book something happens that marked the history of Star Wars as a whole. A great character in the franchise ends up dying, showing in fact that the characters are not immortal. The scene itself was shocking and impactful. However, my favorite parts are those where we have Luke and Mara Jade. I was really scared when they end up making a great and terrible discovery. The way this chapter was written was really interesting.

Another very good aspect of this book is that it already presents the dimension of the great threat in a clear way. Both the characters and the readers already learn from a very early stage the severity of the situation and in a very real way. The characters and the readers are not dumb! This is very different from the construction of the “Great Accident” from the book Star Wars: The High Republic - Light of the Jedi, which develops the plot in a nebulous/vague way.