Review:I'm reviewing the hardback version as that's the copy I bought but it's since available in paperback. I bought the novel at the same time as the PS3 game but I read the book first. Each night I read 30 odd pages and the time went quick. I found this an enjoyable and easy read overall. The action scenes are a bit intense and at times the book lacks in real depth but what is present is good Characterization. The book does well to show the hold Vader has over Starkiller and at times the withdrawal that Starkiller has towards his feelings for Juno is well done. Koto's character is also well developed as the blind old Jedi who turned to drink, he spends much of the novel being pretty useless but not before he comes to his senses and manages to install a decency towards Starkiller in the teachings of the Jedi way towards the end. I also like the idea of him playing dumb at times as if what you see is not what you get. Palpatine is kept in the background but Vader in my opinion is thought out nicely. Calculating, sneaky and smart about his future plans in trying to overthrow the Emperor. The way in which he turns on Starkiller twice takes you by surprise and the Author manages to turn Vader into the iconic evil bad guy when compared to a watered down Vader in Dark Lord-The rise of Darth Vader who is just getting used to being Vader in the suit. The storyline is not perfect as it's based on a game but it manages to do well enough and the timeline with Bail Organa amongst other aspects links this to A New Hope nicely. The droid Proxy while spending the whole time trying to kill Starkiller is a good character and while his programming wants one thing he has a loyalty to his master and you get not only the obvious but he plays a prominant part and is as important to this book as to what C-3PO is to Star Wars.
Verdict:Some complain that this isn't a great storyline but I disagree with that. I think it does a good enough job overall and it actually installs some excitement into the period between Revenge and A New Hope.
Rating: 4 out of 5 - Recommended
Brief Description:A gripping action-adventure novel set during the previously unexplored "Dark Times" between Episode III: "Revenge of the Sith" and Episode IV: "A New Hope". The Jedi order has been crushed under the devious hand of Emperor Palpatine. A new order has risen, one that seeks to dominate the galaxy using the iron first of Darth Vader But Vader cannot control an entire galaxy alone. He has selected his own apprentice from among those gifted with Force-sensitive abilities. As the fate of the galaxy hangs in the balance, this new apprentice must choose their own destiny...This is the official tie-in novel to the Spring 2008 next-generation videogame from LucasArts, which will be launched with a multi-million pound promotional budget!
Sean Williams (Author)
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Titan Books Ltd; 1st Edition edition (22 Aug 2008)
Language English