Books

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (Dark Horse Collection.)

Average customer rating:

best of the Star Wars stories
Readable but annoyingly written continuation of original trilogy
Best of a shot-in-the-dark lot
Author captures the epic spirit of Star Wars space opera
Heir to the Empire review by Llama King!!!!!

Star Wars: Heir to the Empire (Dark Horse Collection.)
Mike Baron , Olivier Vatine , and Fred Blanchar
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Dark Force Rising (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 2)
The Last Command (Star Wars: The Thrawn Trilogy, Vol. 3)
Vision of the Future (Star Wars: The Hand of Thrawn, Book Two)
Specter of the Past (Star Wars: The Hand of Thrawn, Book One)
Jedi Search (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 1)

ASIN: 1569712026

Book Description

It's five years after Return of the Jedi: the Rebel Alliance has destroyed the Death Star, defeated Darth Vader and the Emperor, and driven out the remnants of the old Imperial Starlfleet to a distant corner of the galaxy. Princess Leia and Han Solo are married and expecting Jedi Twins. And Luke Skywalker has become the first in a long-awaited line of Jedi Knights. But thousand of light-years away, the last of the emperor's warlords has taken command of the shattered Imperial Fleet, readied it for war, and pointed it at the fragile heart of the new Republic. For this dark warrior has made two vital discoveries that could destroy everything the courageous men and women of the Rebel Alliance fought so hard to build. The explosive confrontation that results is a towering epic of action, invention, mystery, and spectacle on a galactic scale--in short, a story worthy of the name Star Wars.

Customer Reviews:

best of the Star Wars stories.......2007-06-24

Heir To The Empire is part one of The Thrawn Trilogy by Timothy Zahn. This trilogy is set 5 years after Return of the Jedi. Han Solo and Princess Leia are married and are expecting Jedi twins. The Empire, lead by Grand Admiral Thrawn (best villian since Vader), plan to capture Leia and turn her and her twins to the Dark Side of the Force. Very highly recommended.

Readable but annoyingly written continuation of original trilogy.......2007-06-13

My curiosity finally got the better of me, so I decided I would read the official continuation of the Star Wars story post Return of the Jedi. It starts out familiarizing the reader with a glossing over of the post Death Star V2 Emperor defeat happenings and jumps right into the activities of the new self appointed head of the Imperial forces, Admiral Thrawn who has been successfully raiding New Republic bases and supply lines. He has a plan to reinsert the Empire into their previous spot as bully overlord of the galaxy and Heir to the Empire is the jumping off point for this story, which takes three books to wrap up.

First off, it's an easy read. The story flows at a pretty good pace and seems to match the films in this respect. There are plenty of new characters that are realized relatively well and only seem out of place sometimes by name more than anything else. Some of the names of the characters just don't seem appropriate for Star Wars and it can be a little distracting, but not terribly so. What is more distracting however, and what makes these books less successful for me, is the lazy writing of the author. He can only describe moods with lip characterizations and most of the time, it's of the "so and so's lip twisted" variety, like...

Han is mad: His lip twists

Luke is worried: His lip twists

Leia is frightened: Her lip twists

Luke is determined: His lip twists

C3PO is acting dandy: His... Just kidding (Zahn probably had to hold himself back none the less)

He also comes up with new ideas of how to describe things and just starts using them all of a sudden but doesn't go back to insert them into earlier parts of the book. It's just weird when a character starts using a phrase all of a sudden, frequently, and they never used it for the first half of the book. How hard would it be to go back and place it in earlier parts of the book to make the character's use of language consistent?

And don't get me started on the Mynocks! "The thingy took off like a Mynock with a scorched tail." "It fell to the ground like a clipped Mynock." "He chortled like a bemused Mynock." "She ate like an anorexic Mynock."... and on and on.

Additionally,these characters, and maybe this was unavoidable but I don't think so, live completely in the past that is the 3 prequels. They are not given much of a life before them, in memory, so all of their recall harks back to the films (like we need to be reminded what happened) and that gets old real quick. Everything is "this is just like it happened on the Death Star" or "don't you remember what he did at Mos Eisley?" or "Luke thought back to the cave on Daigobah." Where's that extra mystery of the stuff we didn't see? It's like sitting around a bunch of people who only reminisce about a small period in their lives... Enough!

Well, I guess I'm trying to say that Heir to the Empire is not very well written, but the story is relatively interesting, easy to read, and, well, it tells us what happens to Luke and all of the rest after Return of the Jedi. I imagine a lot of people don't expect to find something literate in a book like this, but, maybe just once, I would like to be surprised.

Best of a shot-in-the-dark lot.......2007-05-27

Star Wars novels are often hit or miss, with many of them being completely unappealing to non-star wars nerds. Speaking as one of those nerds, I've read quite a few of the Star Wars novels, and the entire Hand of Thrawn trilogy is one of the few that stands on it's own not just as a good Star Wars series, but as an excellent general science fiction story as well. Timothy Zahn has an eye for detail that escapes most authors of any genre, and has carefully crafted a fantastic story that has something for every reader to enjoy.

The trilogy focuses both on the difficulties of setting up a new government to replace the old Empire, the number of things still mysterious and unknown even in a well-known universe, and the artful style with which a true strategist could use the resources of the Star Wars universe.

If I could rate it higher than five stars, I would.

Author captures the epic spirit of Star Wars space opera.......2007-05-22

As far as post-Return of the Jedi novels about Luke, Han and Leia go, Timothy Zahn's breakthrough Thrawn Trilogy is the best.

As for the best novels from the era of the movie saga, I highly recommend the following 5-star novels:

Cloak of Deception (Star Wars)
Shadow Hunter (Star Wars: Darth Maul)
Labyrinth of Evil (Star Wars, Episode III Prequel Novel)
Dark Lord: The Rise of Darth Vader (Star Wars)
Shadows of the Empire (Star Wars)

Heir to the Empire review by Llama King!!!!!.......2007-05-16

Heir to the Empire isa fast-paced Star Wars book by Timothy Zahn. It starts out with Grand Admiral Thrawn and Captain Pelleaon going to Mount Tantiss to uncover the Emperor's storehouse, a place rumored to have a cloaking device and some Spaarti cylinders. A cloaking device is a device that masks a ship from sensors, and, in the hands of the Imperial Remnant, it would prove devastating to the New Republic. But, the Grand Admiral and Pelleaon come across Joruus C'Baoth, the clone of Jorus C'Baoth, and a tale of action, adventure, sacrifice, a little blood spilt, and loyalty unfolds.

Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire (Star Wars (Dark Horse))

Average customer rating:

eh...
Above-Average
Meh.
Very good book.
Luke takes out Vader Enemy

Star Wars: Shadows Of The Empire (Star Wars (Dark Horse))
John Wagner , Kilian Plunket , and variou
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Star Wars - Shadows of the Empire: Evolution
Dark Empire I (Star Wars)
Union (Star Wars)
Mara Jade: By the Emperor's Hand (Star Wars)
Star Wars: The Last Command

ASIN: 1569711836

Book Description

Darth Vader wants Luke Skywalker -- alive. Prince Xizor, the largest trader in the galaxy, wants Skywalker dead. And Skywalker, along with Leia, Chewbacca, and the droids, have a goal of their own: rescue Han Solo. But Solo has been encased in carbonite and taken by the most notorious mercenary in the galaxy, Boba Fett, who intends to deliver him to Jabba the Hutt. It's a clash of good against evil, of right against wrong, and it comes to a head in the Shadows of the Empire . . . Featuring all your favorite characters from the Star Wars motion picture trilogy and a score of new ones, Shadows of the Empire is everything a Star Wars fan could hope for.

Customer Reviews:

eh..........2006-10-22

i remember reading the novel several years ago, but didnt remember specifics. i picked up a used copy of the graphic novel, and was left disappointed...the story line was very quick and choppy. princess leia's scenes with Xixor were almost laughable. the style of art and drawing didnt appeal to me at all and the colors just weren't vivid. the Swoop gangs felt very out of place and Jabba was out of character. the redeeming value was the prescence of Fett, whose part in the novel could've probably filled out the entire graphic novel. i can't wait for Dark Horse's Fett collection to come out next year.

Above-Average.......2005-12-09

A decent graphic novel. Has pretty good art, the storyline was ok, but what really ruined this for me was the unrealistic-ness. If you thought Empire vol. 1: Betrayal had cheesy dialogue by Vader, you'd hate this. Vader also seemed to be acting like a disobient 2 year old, never listening to anyone. What I also found annoying was the fact that the characters all seemed to be constantly talking to themselves. Boba Fett isn't his usual quiet, calculated self in this book. He was always taunting others and talking to himself as he tried to escape what seemed like an entire galaxy chasing him. Possibly the only cool characters in this were Luke and Dash Rendar. I've definitely read better.

Meh........2005-08-20

The novelization was much better. I did however love the Boba fett plot that was added, as well as the artists renditions of Leia and Fett. Absolutly amazing.
However it just didnt have the power of others ive read. 3 stars

Very good book........2004-09-13

I read this book in 2 hours and do not regret it. It was definetely worth the $10 I paid for it. It gets a little confusiing at times, but you just gotta keep reading it. Now you can find out when and where Luke constructed his new lightsaber, and much more. If you are a star wars fan, you won't regret it, if your not, you probaly won't have any idea whats going on.

Luke takes out Vader Enemy.......2003-07-24

This is a review of Shadow of the Empire which is available as a hard cover book of 340 (ISBN 0553574132) pages, a comic (isbn 1569711836), a novelization of 176 pages (isbn 044013036) and audio cassette (isbn 0553100890). This story tales places between ESB and ROTJ. I always felt it was one of the more important stories of the Expanded Universe given that Xizor became an action figure as did Dash Render and his ship (Outrider). The whole gang is in this one even Han, though is encased in carbonite. We get Vader, the emperor, Fett, Guri, Boosk, 4-Lom, Jabba, Zuckuss and Wedge along with the regular gang of heroes.

Apparently Dark horse did have available any pictures of Lando or Leia because the artists did a lousy job of drawing them. Most of the time Luke was OK, but sometimes he looked like Jessica Lynch. They did do a great job drawing Fett, Vader and dash however.

Everyone is searching for Han, but he has not be taken directly to Jabba. Xizor has risen to lead Black Sun which has thrived since Darth Maul wiped out the old leadership. His newest ambition is to replace Vader as #2 in the empire. Xizor orders Luke killed knowing that Vader wants him alive. Then Xizor captured Leia.

This is one of my favorite of all the EU stories. Steve Perry has created a new and exciting Journey. The novel is 4 stars and the comic is 3.5 stars, rounded up to 4. Considering that Dark horse released this in 1997 before some of their awesome new production techniques, this is a very well done comic. The abridged audio cassette is good quality, but at on 2 ½ hours to much is cut.

Star Wars: Dark Empire II [Full Cast Audio Drama, 2 Cassettes]

Average customer rating:

Star Wars: Dark Empire II [Full Cast Audio Drama, 2 Cassettes]
Dark Horse Comics , Tom Veitch , and John Whitman
Manufacturer: Not Avail
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Audio Cassette

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Dark Empire I (Star Wars)

ASIN: 1570423091

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: Special Edition (Dark Horse Collection.)

Average customer rating:

Trash!
Comic Book edition.

Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back: Special Edition (Dark Horse Collection.)
Archie Goodwin , Al Williamson , and Carlos Garzo
Manufacturer: Dark Horse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Star Wars: Return of the Jedi: Special Edition (Star Wars (Dark Horse))
Star Wars Episode II: Attack of the Clones
Star Wars, Episode I - The Phantom Menace (Graphic Novel)
Star Wars, Episode III - Revenge of the Sith (Graphic Novel)
The Rebel Storm (Classic Star Wars, Volume Two)

ASIN: 1569712344

Book Description

With the Death Star destroyed, the Empire has declared martial law throughout the galaxy. A thousand worlds have felt the oppressive hand of the Emperor as he attempts to crush the growing Rebellion. As the Imperial grip of tyranny tightens, Luke, Leia, Han, and the rest of the small band of freedom fighters continue to press for the salvation of the planets -- but such a small crew stands little hope of succeeding against the dominant might of the Empire. But sometimes that's all it takes -- a little hope. Dark Horse Comics is proud to present, in an all-new package, the comics adaptation of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back -- The Special Edition. By Archie Goodwin and Al Williamson, this classic adaptation is reprinted from the original Star Wars comic-book series and is now collected with an all-new cover to celebrate the theatrical release of The Empire Strikes Back -- The Special Edition.

Customer Reviews:

Trash!.......2000-01-23

I tend to rate books against other books of their type, so while I may give both a Star Wars book and Dune 5 stars, there is no comparison, Dune is better. By the same token, I won't judge a comic as harshly as a novel, because I have different and lower expectations of it.

Even so, this Graphic Novel is a complete waste of time, paper, and money. The interior art is pretty bad, and the character renderings uninspired, and 3PO has way too much freedom of movement. They put way too much effort into throwing in every last little detail added for the special edition of the film, and it was obvious.

This comic was EXTREMELY dependant on the reader having seen the movie. The dialogue and scenes jumped around so much that if I didn't know the movie virtually by heart, I'd be lost by only a couple of pages into the book. Though the lettering itself is good, it can't make up for the confusing, erratic clips of dialogue.

The Millenium Falcon looked messed up, and the TIE Fighters looked pitifully small and smashed. This is a horribly bad adaptation of a great film. The only good part of this book is getting to see Dormans' fabulous cover work at the end.

Don't buy this book!

Comic Book edition........1999-12-27

The entire TESB adventure in comic book form. Very interesting and unique.

Average customer rating:

Star Wars: Empire, #28 (Comic Book)
DARK HORSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Star Wars | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000R3BAJU

Star Wars: Empire, #31 (Comic Book): THE PRICE OF POWER

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Star Wars: Empire, #31 (Comic Book): THE PRICE OF POWER
DARK HORSE COMICS
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Star Wars | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000R3BCD4

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Star Wars: Empire, #26 (Comic Book)
DARK HORSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: B000R3B9QO

Star Wars: Empire, #30 (Comic Book): In the Shadow of Their Fathers, Pt 2 of 5

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Star Wars: Empire, #30 (Comic Book): In the Shadow of Their Fathers, Pt 2 of 5
DARK HORSE
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Star Wars | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000R395OC

STAR WARS: DARK EMPIRE #6 OF 6 (Dark Horse Comic Book)

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STAR WARS: DARK EMPIRE #6 OF 6 (Dark Horse Comic Book)
Tom Veitch , and Cam Kennedy
Manufacturer: Dark Horse Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

Star Wars | Characters | Comics & Graphic Novels | Subjects | Books
ASIN: B000RK4NOM

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Star Wars: Empire #3 (Betrayal, 3 of 4)
Scott Allie
Manufacturer: Dark Horse Comics
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Comic

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ASIN: B000IN0SSS

Product Description

Direct sales edition comic book published by Dark Horse Comics (under license from Lucas Arts). Part 3 of 4.

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