Unique take on Star Wars
928860
This comic/book is quite unique take on the Star Wars universe and how Jedis are trained.  Roan our hero in this book is quite a lot like Luke in that he lives on Tattooine and dreams of being a star fighter pilot.  Unfortunately he is declined for Pilot school and is instead accepted into the Jedi Academy.  Roan is confused by this because he doesnt believe he has the force.  But he goes to Coruscant anyway and slowly finds out that he fits in better than he thinks.

This comic is basically his entire first year of school.  I thought it was uniquely written and drawn.  It kept me entertained even though the story line was kinda dull since it only deals with his daily grind of classes and school events.  I wouldnt mind to continue reading about his getting through Jedi Academy school.

Overall if you're a Star Wars fan this is a fun and unique take on it and I think most would enjoy it.  Middle schoolers may enjoy it as well, although they may not care for the story.  My overall score would have been 4/5 but with DRM it drops it down to a 3/5.
4542524
This book was a very good look at the state of the Star Wars galaxy. It gives glimpses of how the destruction of the second Death Star is affecting the rest of the galaxy and also gives a few hooks for where familiar characters are going. These, however, are just a side note to the fun and engaging story woven through the book. The cast is very diverse and gives glimpses to both sides of the conflict. The Galactic Civil War affected everyone and this book shows that.
3572428
I have actually read every single Star Wars title published to date. While I enjoy a few of the other far more than this one, and quite a few I hope never to encounter again, this one definitely succeeded at pleasing. By the end of the story, you definitely want to see a follow up book to know what happened to all of the characters after the end. And I believe that is probably a glaring endorsement of a Star Wars authors work. Some characters fade into the background. Some you WANT to see again. Anilee and her family was one of those character sets I wanted to see more about after the book ended.
4480066
I would love to add something that others haven't already put on here, but the highlights have been covered and for the most part I agree with what people are saying. No, it's not really a young adult novel, it's a great Star Wars novel, period. It's easily ten times better than the Aftermath trilogy (and - I hate that this is even a thing in Star Wars now - but it's nice to not get beaten over the head by Disney's gay pride agenda through the whole book). Lost Stars keeps up a great pace with plenty of action and plot development to make it an intriguing action and somewhat political novel. The characters are well thought out and unique, none of the characters felt flat. This really is the book that Disney should have put their marketing train behind and I'm somewhat disapointed in myself for waiting to read it - so don't make the same mistake I did, if you are looking to get into the new canon expended universe, start with Lost Stars.
433348
Part of what fascinated me about this book right from the beginning was that all the kids, while still in character, seemed  way older, and supposedly only a few months had passed between The Emperor's Plague and this book.  It was an extremly well written book, with a well defined, understandable plot.  In it, Jacen and Jaina and Anakin all go on a short vacation with their Dad (Han of course) to go and check out a really cool race on Ord  Mantell.  Once they get there they meet Anja Gallandro, a girl who hates Han because she believes he murdered her father.  She plays on his guilt, and somehow convinces him to go try to right a bloody civil war on her home planet.  Through an interesting chain of events they meet back up with there other friends (big surpise), as well as Anja who by the way is not only working for some evil smuggler guy, but also is addicted to some kind of drug.  I also find it very interesting that all through this whole series Jacen is hung up on Tenel Ka, and now the instant some other pretty girl comes into the picture, he instantly forgets she ever even existed, and I sense the same thing beginning to happen to Zekk and Jaina too.  This only serves even  more to convince me that these budding relationships were silly to begin with, though I must admit I always enjoyed Jacen and Tenel Ka.  As for Anja herself, well, she was cool and all but I found myself not really liking her much, and I just couldn't really care about her like I could the other characters.  She just seemed more like a glorified and somewhat twisted version of  an early Mara Jade to me.  Another thing that bothered me was that even though Anakin was with them throughout the whole book, he was practicly ignored and it seemed as if they somehow forgot about him at some points.  This was somewhat irritating because Anakin has always been my favorite of the Solo children.  Besides  those minor details though, this was an exellent book.  I also think it is cool that a Star Wars book can deal with serious issues such as drug adiction.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Star Wars, though it will probably make more sense if you have read the previous 11 first.
2861618
A really enjoyable Star Wars book.
The Ssi-Ruuk were great (although I'm not sure about their descriptions as basically over-grown birds) but their actions and lifestyles were cleverly thought up and really entertaining.  Entechment was an ingenious and scary idea.  Dev was also great.  I also liked the Bakurans especially Gaeriel and Eppie.
A good book, much better than Zahn's trilogy which was a disappointing entry into the new world of Star Wars novels for me.
Read this or the X Wing series not the Thrawn Trilogy.
2389716
I'll confess to not having read a whole lot of Star Wars novels (only one besides Deceived), but I felt just as home reading this as I would have a non-SW book. Readers don't need to be very familiar with the Star Wars universe to enjoy this novel, a basic understanding is more than enough. As always with Kemp, the characters are fully developed and unique, each speak with their own voice. There's also significant character development in the book, most notably from the Sith Darth Malgus, the Jedi Aryn Leneer, and the smuggler and ex-soldier Zeerid Korr. It's easy to relate to the characters, since despite being in a whole other universe, they feel very human, and make very human choices. I was surprised more than once by how they acted. The only downside is that the book is fairly short, and comes in at under 300 pages.
3555857
It was fun to read the story of Star Wars in Shakespearean iambic pentameter. I also enjoyed the illustrations. It puts a new little twist on the whole Star Wars saga.
2398991
It took a long time for me to get into this book.  For awhile I wondered when something interesting would happen.  It never did, but I soon accepted that this book was not going to be as action packed as the prequel trilogy.  Nor was it going to focus at any length on Jedi or Sith angles.  I feel like it took an episode 4 type approach to the storytelling.

The good thing about the book is that it felt a lot like episodes 4-6.  It's good to see all the old characters adventuring together again.  Grand Admiral Thrawn is an excellent character but with no connection to the force, light side or dark side, I found his antagonistic role in a Star Wars book to be lacking.  I would rather him be commanded by a Sith figure.

All in all, I'm glad this is now officially EU.
4653958
I have never read a Stars Wars book.  I love the movies, all 6 of them, and grew up watching them as well as pretending to be Darth Vader many times as a child.  Having said that, I am a fan, but not die hard like some who have read every book ever written about Star Wars.

I picked this up due to my curiosity about what happens next after Episode III.  I wanted to know how he became who he became and what events sealed his fate as the Dark Lord.

I gave it 4 stars because the book did tell us the events following Episode III in an entertaining way, but it also was half about fleeing and escaping Jedi.  I was not interested in that part, I wanted to know what Vader was thinking, doing, feeling, how he was training in the Dark Side.  The book touched on these things, but not to any degree.  Vader has a lot of scenes where he is feeling self-pity and agonizing about his new suit.  The Emporer sort of jumps right into to trying to get Vader to turn against him, which is what the Sith do, but it seemed all too sudden to me.

At the end we do get a glimpse of what Obi-Wan is doing and this leaves the door open for Episode IV.  There could actually be another book before Episode IV, but I doubt we see that.  There were some other areas we could have delved into that were left open.

So, I give it 4 stars.  Very entertaining, lots of action, was never meant to be Pulitzer material, but serves its purpose as a good follow up to Episode III.
3545167
Not sure why this book has all the negativity that it does.  It's pretty much in line with the other Star Wars books I've read.  At times it can be a slightly difficult to keep up with the multiple storylines and characters, but it's not that bad.  I would've liked a dramatis personae in the book to help keep everyone straight in my head.  I think that's mostly my problem, and not really the book.  All in all, I enjoyed it and I'm curious as to what the next two books in the series bring.
319455
This volume of the ongoing Marvel Star Wars series is a little different than the past ones in that each issue follows a different group of protagonists. There's first a Luke and Leia story. It features a really col AT-AT scene. Then there's a Sana and Lando story. I like seeing Lando in the main series before our main protagonists meet him. This story also shows more of Sana's background and her sweet skills. I'm all about learning more about the original characters. There's a Han story of him working with the Rebel Alliance. There's a story featuring R2 rescuing 3PO. The last regular issue in this collection is a feature for the Scar Squadron. Then there's an interesting story about the sand people of Tatooine. And finally, the third Annual finishes off this volume, showing Han and Leia searching for a new base.

I liked that there were multiple perspectives, but I'm starting to get bored of this ongoing series. Stuff needs to happen. This is the problem with featuring main series characters between two films. They can't grow and change as much as original characters. I definitely am enjoying the original characters' stories more right now.

I give this volume a 4/5. I hope this series surprises me with its next volume. It's supposed to feature the aftermath of Jedha, so that at least will be interesting.
1705016
This is not the Star Wars we all grew up with. I have read all the books, all the collected comics etc, and this is something very different. The art on the cover gives you an idea of what's inside. Two things that are  outstanding; 1. a Map of The Star Wars Galaxy, 2. and a Time Line of the  books, that while not going all the way back, covers 99% of what should  have been included years ago. THANK YOU! Mr. Salvatore adapted to this saga  very well, and without the one-liners that have gotten so annoying from the  original 3 movies. He didn't use any crutches, and created amazing new life  forms, organic weapons etc. Excellent story, well-paced, never slumps,  keeps the tension high, so plan on a late night or two. The "IT"  that others refer to bothered me, as I feel it was unecessary. That type of  written device usually props up a weak story, and this book is anything but  weak. But be prepared, this is a grim New Republic, many of our favorite  characters are angry, very angry. Teenagers kill, with justification, but  it's one more reminder that this "New" series is very new and  very dark. If it were a movie, they would have to work hard and cut alot to  not get an R. Still it's outstanding. Don't give up on "IT", a  crack in that door was left open, and fans will kick that door in. Enjoy!
2665920
As you might expect 'At War with the Empire' collects several stories set during the original trilogy from both the Imperial and Rebel point of view.  The stories are set just before and after the events of the first Star Wars film and are all well-told.

The opening story 'Betrayal' is the real standout.  Weeks before the Death Star goes online a group of Imperial officers attempt a coup to replace Vader and the Emperor.  It's densely written, with memorable characters and exciting battles.

'Princess...Warrior' tells the story of Princess Leia's missions of mercy and how she learned the price of war.

'The Short, Happy Life of Roons Sewell' tells the story of a Rebel general.  Based in part on Citizen Kane (Roons Sewell is an anagram for Orson Wells) it quickly paints a memorable picture of the title character.

'What Sin Loyalty' is the story of cloned and programmed Stormtrooper trying to protect his commander.

'The Savage Heart' is a ruthless Darth Vader story.

'A Little Piece of Home' is a bit dull but has some nice scenes for Princess Leia.

'Target Vader' has Vader taking on the underworld.

'Alone Together' shows some early developments in Han Solo and Princess Leia's relationship.

'Idiot's Array' has an early test of Han's loyalty to the Rebellion and more underworld action.

Finally 'The Price of Power' introduces a race of sentient Raptors and a complex battle between the Rebels and Empire for their loyalty.

This book has 400 pages of good to great stories set during my favorite era of Star Wars, I recommend picking this up.
2739904
First, let me state that while I'm am I die hard Star Wars fan, I haven't gotten interested in many of the books except NJO. NJO breaks the vicious New Republic vs. Empire cycle that has largly become Star Wars Expanded Universe. In Traitor, Stover breaks completely free of whatever may be left of that mold. Traitor is almost (but not quite) entirely focused around the philosophy of being a Jedi. On the surface, Traitor is an interesting look at how the Yuuzhan Vong actually function, and how a Jedi imprisioned by them gains is freedom. However, while that is enough to make this story worth reading (and a neccessary read if you are trying to read the entire NJO), it is just a small picture of what this story is about. Throughout the story, Jacen Solo (the protagonist) is faced with challange after challange, many of them on a moral level. Some he fails miserably, others he triumphs over. Throughout the story we see Jacen evolve from an unsure teenager, into a focused and determined adult, that will go to virtually any extreme to reach his goal.

In summery, Mathew Stover has successfully written the first(and perhaps last) Star Wars book that annalizes the human psychie. Sometimes he gets a little caught up in his annalisis, but he some how keeps it interesting, and flow with the rest of the series.
3148976
Dark Horse publish a wide variety of Star Wars licensed comics aimed at different audiences. This 80 page graphic novel is done in the style of the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series on Cartoon Network.

And when I say in the style of, I mean both the art and the story. While not identical (The Clone Wars is 3D animation) the artwork here clearly apes the designs and mannerisms of the show. It's very cartoony, very expressive and full of movement.

And this story absolutely feels like a one and done cartoon episode, starting with Anakin and Obi-wan relaxing on a tourist world, only for Obi-wan to head off on his own trying to track down a wanted fugitive from his past.

There's not much in the way of deep characterization here. The violence is kept very PG and most of the story is played more for laughs than anything else. Plus, like so many cartoons there's a message to the story. It's all about learning to trust your friends and learn from your mistakes.

Obi-wan does come out of it looking like a bit of an ass, but that seems to be pretty common when it comes to modern Star Wars material.

It's all very amiable stuff if not particularly challenging and it's certainly very suitable for younger readers who enjoy some Star Wars adventures. Just don't expect anything too deep from it.
1008922
Star Wars: The Old Republic  Revan overall was worth the read. I came into the book without expectations, as I had not played through the KOTOR games like some of the other reviewers. Many fans were disappointed that the book gave so many pages to the exploits of Lord Scourge (arguably the protagonist of this book). I think Karpyshyn wrote it this way because of his previous experience in the Star Wars Universe. His past three books, the Darth Bane Trilogy, were highly focused on characters following the Dark Side. I am not implying that Karpyshyn doesnt have the talent to write from different perspectives, but he was clearly staying in his comfort zone, built up over the last few Star Wars books he wrote. I am also assuming he was under time-pressure with a deadline for this book, forcing him to stick with some elements he was more familiar with in the Star Wars Universe. Retrospectively, if they would have chosen another name for the book, people would probably have not raised this complaint as much.

This book has some unique aspects that set it apart from other Star Wars stories, which gives it some extra appeal. For example, the emperor in this story rises far above other villains in his command of the Dark Side to make for a fearsome foe. Another interesting aspect of the story is Revans marriage with Bastila Shan. The marriage allows for more empathy from the reader towards Revan as he embarks on his dangerous quest.

Karpyshyn is talented, even when working under a deadline, at tying together separate entities into a coherent narrative. While I wouldnt say the book rises to the same level of achievement as the Darth Bane Trilogy, it was still an entertaining read.