Classic Thrawn for a New Era
590767
Respects the old Thrawn in a different era. Like Sherlock Holmes in space with Eli Vanto as Watson. Highly recommended.
2910433
A good set of stories from the early empire to the middle and the last short story is an imperial perspective from the battle over Endor.

In the new canon many characters overlap in different novels and short stories so I think a collection of related novels and short stories like this is especially fun to read together.
4695055
This was a good entry to re introduce us to a universe that is new but at the same time familiar to us all.

The book was exciting but I felt it lacked depth and development when compared to some of the better Star Wars novels such as revenge of this sith's novelisation and Timothy Zahn's heir to the empire.

What I did like though was how this story was trying to paint a picture of a galaxy still in a state a strife from the view point of the common person, not the golden crew at the top like Luke, Leia and Han.

You can tell this book was written in 45 days, it just lacks some polish.

However, I did enjoy this book and will definitely be picking up the next effort in this trilogy.
405436
A good piece of introduction to the underpinnings of the future Star Empire. It recasts some of our familiar characters (governments) in new roles as well as beginning to establish the long term *real* villains!
1113336
The old Star Wars Expanded Universe or "Legends" gets a little mixed up when it comes to the true follow up to Return of the Jedi, so much that it makes you want to ignore it altogether. In my opinion though Heir to the Empire feels best as a follow up with our heroes trying to put together the New Republic and a new set of sinister villains like Thrawn and the Dark Jedi Jorrus C'baoth that want to destroy it. Thrawn is delightfully evil and Jorrus is so unpredictable and mysterious. He has an insatiable desire to take Luke and Leia under his wing to the dark side, especially Leia's unborn twins. Mara Jade, Luke's future wife, is introduced in this story and her first encounter with Luke is great. I like those sequences when characters don't get along , but then work together. The only complaint I have is that some parts get too political like the prequels (something about Admiral Ackbar being arrested). Otherwise it's a great follow up to Return of the Jedi. If only this was made into a movie in the late 90s we could of had a good sequel trilogy (produced by Lucas, but written and directed by someone else).
3201491
While Zahn isn't breaking new ground here, and he is obviously fitting his story and character into pre-existing and pre-determinded canon, Thrawn is an entry worthy of the author and his previous contributions to the Expanded Universe.

Zahn is at his best when allowed to create new ideas (places, characters, etc); the fact that Thrawn, the Chiss, and Zahn himself are now part of the current and official Canon is a huge step in my mind. If Zahn is allowed to bring The True Power of his creative abilities to the Star Wars universe now, we'll all be better off.
2479363
Star Wars Dark Nest I: The Joiner King is the start of a new set of Star Wars novels. There is the Dark Nest Trilogy and then the nine part Legacy of The Force series. The Joiner King gives this new set of novels a very good start. The Jedi have now established themselves again and are a valuable force for good in the Post-NJO Galaxy, however there are many problems that they will have to deal with in the next series of books. Such as clearly defining their role with the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances and refining their expanded view of the force, combined with getting back to a mindset of peacekeeping after the Yuuzhan Vong war had made them a little too ruthless in their methods. This is all good as it shows that the books that follow are going to be plot rich and valuable to the Star Wars universe. Troy Denning has the classic characters down extremely well but with enough development to show that the Yuuzhan Vong War shown in the NJO 19 book series had effected them. This shows respect towards these well loved characters but indicating that Del Rey and Lucasfilm Licensing are trying to show that events in past books are not forgotten and the consequnces are shown in later books.

 The Joiner King has an exciting plot with potential for development over the next two books, where i expect a number of surprises will occur. Jedi Master Luke Skywalker has some good Lightsaber duels and him and leia get to learn more about their parents pasts. Really good Star Wars novel for people willing to accept that not everything is gooing to wrapped up at the end of this first book of a longer series.
431922
This book has been controversial among Star Wars fans. Old EU fans in particular. I never read any old EU material. I recently got into the non-cinema media after Disney declared an EU reset and told us what is official canon. I enjoyed the Clone Wars cartoon and enjoy the new Rebels cartoon.

Aftermath is a solid adventure in the Star Wars universe. Nothing sweeping or overall narrative changing happens. No major connections to The Force Awakens as far as I can tell. However, I really enjoyed Wendig's story. It is essentially about the Empire getting together to figure out how to move forward after the events of ROTJ, and a group of people who are trying to save their recently captured friend from the Empire.

I found all of the main characters interesting and grew to like and root for them. Admiral Sloane, of the Empire, has a strange charisma to the reader as well. MISTER BONES rocks!

Wendig's writing style is different, that's for sure. It's definitely off-putting at first and I can see where some readers are turned off. His present tense and short sentences are meant to put you inside each characters' head. It is effective and efficient once you get used to it. I found it exciting!

There are several interludes throughout. I was fond of most of them though the point overstated its welcome sometimes (the point was to show how different people and places reacted to the demise of the Empire and the rise of the New Republic and how they were affected by the conflict between the two).

There are numerous connections and mentions to all eras of Star Wars canon, including the OT and the PT and beyond. So, that's fun!

I'm glad this is part 1 of 3. I believe this book is a victim of the hype. It should have been marketed as a Star Wars story, not an end all, be all bridge to TFA. If you love Star Wars and want the full, every detail story of the new canon, this book is well worth your time and money. Especially for the mysterious character in the epilogue... Can't wait for part 2!
4106380
Timothy Zahn has always written Star Wars exceptionally well.  As a huge fan I am pleased that he's been able to incorporate Thrawn (along with Rebels) into canon.  There is subtle differences between the cannon version vs legends version of Thrawn but the core character is very much the same.  It does a very good job of explaining why Thrawn is in the Empire at all.

The surprise of the book is how much I liked the back story for Governor Pryce.

If you like Zahns work, Thrawn, or want a good back story to Rebels, particularly season 3, this is an excellent book.

Here's to hoping for more Zahn & Thrawn to come.
4103386
A fun read.  I imagine, due to Episode 7 coming out, and the EU being removed from canon, this has become a Star War "Legend".  The added sideline notes can be a little cheesy, but add to the overall aesthetic.
4410913
<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Star-Wars-Darth-Vader-Vol-3-The-Shu-Torun-War-Star-Wars-Marvel/dp/0785199772/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 3 - The Shu-Torun War (Star Wars (Marvel))</a>&nbsp;collects issues #16-19 and Annual #1 of this current marvel series.

This is a complete story, with a beginning, middle and end. The Annual opens the story, introducing the mining planet of Shu-torun, where Vader has been sent by the Emperor to encourage the planetary ruler to improve production. As it turns out, the ruler has other ideas, and, long story short, Vader appoints a new one. However, this story does serve to introduce the planet, its unique properties, and its culture for the main story, which gives this volume its title; and there are a couple of scenes here that reference past and future scenes from the films to keep your attention focussed.

The main story sees a baronial revolt against the new ruler, and Vader has to step in, accompanied by his two Evil Droids, as well as Cylo and some of his trainees. There is a lot of action and adventure, with some spectacular big set piece events, as well as a lot for the minor characters to do.

This is an excellently-constructed story, with much character development, wit and humour; and good artwork.
2681656
This book is so cool!  Thrawn's the best, even better than Vader!  I could go on for days raving about this master piece!  The only thing I can't compliment is the cover art.  There's something wrong with it, but I can't  figure it out.  Anyway, like they say, you can't judge a book by its  cover.  You've got to by this book!  Trust me!
691633
I really enjoyed reading Timothy Zahn's Heir to the Empire. This was the first book I read with Mara Jade and after that I feel in love with her character. Grand Admiral Thrawn also makes his appearance as the one of the new villian's our heroes must face. Talon Karrde who works along side Mara Jade is a pirate smuggler type of character. We are also introduced to him. On addition we get a great story with the main three Luke, Han and Leia. And of course Lando, Chewbacca, R2D2 and C3po. If you want to learn more about what happens after Return of the Jedi, this is a great book to pick up. I' d recommend buying the 20th anniversary edition, which included side notes by Zahn and the editor. Very interesting info.
All in all it's a wonderful edition to the Star Wars Saga!
2146168
This is a great back story of how Thrawn becomes a memorable character in the Star Wars universe. If you're a fan of Timothy Zahn, Star Wars, or both then this is a must read.  I don't normally give five stars unless I would read it again: this one is worth another read.  I hope we get to know more about Thrawn from Zahn in the future.
3156137
Do you like star wars? If so you will like this.
3740494
I'd always heard great things about this series of books, and they don't disappoint. I only have one problem with it, and maybe its because I am honestly not a super fan of Star Wars... Grand Admiral Thrawn, and generally all the author's characters, are just so much more interesting than Luke, Leia, and even Han. It's hard to cheer for the "good guys" now that they are the big guys, and when the underdog Empire admiral is just so *cool*.

Still, would solidly recommend this book.
4880526
Published in 2014, "Star Wars: A New Dawn" served two purposes: to introduce the new canon and to act as a prequel to the animated television show Star Wars: Rebels. Having thrown out all previous novels in the Star Wars canon, "A New Dawn" certainly had a lot riding on it. Author John Jackson Miller had some large shoes to fill, as his predecessors had written some excellent stories. However, Miller had also written several Star Wars novels prior to "Dawn," including the well-received "Kenobi." So how does "Dawn" stack up against its predecessors and does it do justice to the new canon?

"A New Dawn" is set in between the events of Episode III:Revenge of the Sith and a Episode IV: A New Hope. The plot revolves around Kanan Jarrus, a former Jedi who is now in hiding, and the mysterious Hera, an early figure in the rebel movement against the Galactic Empire. Looking to gather information on one of the Emperors enforcer's--the cyborg Count Vidian-- Hera visits the planet Gorse, where she, Kanan, and several other characters are drawn into a light-hearted adventure to save Gorse and defeat the evil Count Vidian. The plot is unoriginal and Miller seems to tread lightly, perhaps so as not to ruin any surprises in future television or movie episodes. The plot contains the requisite number of dogfights and blaster skirmishes with stormtroopers. It is also small in scope and takes place primarily only on the planet Gorse, and never feels like the galaxy-trotting adventure that Star Wars should be.

Where the book shines (and ultimately saves itself from a lower score) is in the characterization. The plot is so derivative I was ready to give the book up, but the robust characterization drew me in, particularly in the last third of the novel. Kanan is a very interesting and complex character, who wants no part of a rebellion, but is ultimately dragged into it when a friend is murdered by the Empire. Hera is mysterious and leaves the reader wanting to know more about her background and ultimate goals. At first glance, Count Vidian is your typical evil science fiction cyborg, but Miller gives him a fascinating backstory, and he ends up becoming one of the more memorable characters in the story.

The style that "A New Dawn" is written in can best be described as light and cartoonish. The book reads like a young adult novel, an apparent (and disappointing) trend in novels of the new canon. Dialogue is often silly and certainly sounds like it is drawn from a cartoon.

Ultimately, "A New Dawn" doesn't pass muster when compared to those Star Wars novels that have gone before it, though it does act as an effective prequel to Rebels. If you're interested in getting some backstory on two lead Rebels characters, "Dawn" is worth the read, especially given its strength of characterization. Just be aware that it isn't the best example of what Star Wars authors are capable of.

In Summation:

The Good:
-an effective Rebels prequel
-strong characterization

The Bad:
-unoriginal plot
-cartoonish writing style
-small scope of action