A truly fascinating look into The Saga!
597436
Here's a hidden gem that I just got in the mail that sheds all kinds of light on what the new movies may be like as well as what the existing movies might have been (and how they evolved in the first place). Check out the book "The Secret History of Star Wars" by Michael Kaminaski. At just over 600 pages it is the most comprehensive book on Star Wars movie lore that I have ever had the pleasure of reading. It was first published in 2008 and it covers all six movies, detailing the many incarnations of the movie scripts and stories starting with George Lucas' original outline from 1973. The information is well researched and the book reveals many many things about each draft of each script that are fascinating and often totally unexpected! Anyone who is a fan of the craft of quality storytelling as well as curious Star Wars fans with long unresolved questions about all kinds of plot points and storylines will speed through this exciting and revealing examination of the greatest saga in movie history.
1938116
This book brings a major bundle of "extra" tidbits about all the major players and places in Middle earth, and is a MUST read for all Tolkien fans! It fills in many of the "holes" you find yourself pondering over after reading the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. It is the "Perfect" fifth book!

Rick W.
3160068
Despite having read any, and all, renditions of this saga from this era; I'd never pretend to know what is true to fact and not; however, I can speak to that which truly entices the imagination and this is certainly one series which does! Well Done!!!
2318768
Most everyone familiar with the Lord of the Rings Trilogy knows that its author didn't envision it as three volumes; financial realities in the publishing industry gave us the familiar three books.  Now here it is in one great volume, just its author would have wished!
I wish I knew how to express my joy at being able to read the saga whole in one book.  For those of us whose reading experience consists of jumping back many pages to refresh our memory, or jumping forward to the appendix to remind ourselves of the vast scope of this fantasy world, the ability to do this without keeping track of three separate books is a God-send.  For the first time, the story flowed seamlessly from volume to volume, without the artificial boundaries presented by three sets of front and back covers.
If you read and reread the LOTR (as many of us do,) I suggest you treat yourself to the single volume experience.  It's an even greater read!
3237852
As I just finished the 6th book I can say that has been an amazing journey thru the saga, Im a SciFi fan and this was epic! I loved it since book 1, loved the twits in the story from top to bottom, I wish there was more stories to read about the characters about their future life, however admit that the ending was well deserved, I have to say that the way Jasper writes kept me hocked since the beginning since Brondy rises as Crime Lord, I have to say I hated him, till Therius reveal himself to everyone. The was an amazing saga and I will check on the other books written by Jasper T Scott because Dark Space Saga was very complex, entertained and simply a great story
3721521
i loved this book, once i started reading i did not want to put it down! My only reget in buying this book was that the rest of the saga is not father along because dern do i want MORE! i hope Thorne has many more books like this planned for the saga i will buy them all. Thanks for a fantastic read!
1257510
I did the audiobook and boy what an immense saga! I had no idea. Having it read to me was doubly entertaining, as this sorry was as fantastical as any movie!
234032
Quite a thorough saga!  Sarum really is the story of the history of England, from prehistoric times to the modern era. By taking several family lines and creating a series of interlocking stories set in the Salisbury, England area, but sometimes 100s of years after each other, I got the feeling of being there during each major period of history. My wife and I now are planning a trip to Salisbury to see and feel the area that we have come to know through these powerful stories.  Each story, although new, felt familiar because the descendants of the previous stories were the characters in the next story and some of the physical and behavior traits were carried along the generations. A fascinating way to learn history.  I could put the book down after each section for the first 500 pages, but after that, the next 300 pages pulled me along in a trance.
460377
I just picked up this book a few days ago, and I must say....I'm really impressed.  It not only garners information on the Jedi, the temple, the philosophies, but it gives insights into the characters starting with Yoda.  The introduction by Luke Skywalker, from the Yavin 4 academy; shows the history of the book, and how it was passed down from Jedi to Jedi.  It features many different "notes," handwritten anecdotes (by the different Jedi who possessed the book) that are humorous and insightful.  The illustrations are helpful, and they detail weapons, ships and techniques that Jedi often use.  It also has different lightsaber hilts, styles and such.

A breakdown of the book:

Part 1-Introduction to the Jedi Order
This part contains information on the Jedi Code (there is no death, there is the Force) and much needed history of the Jedi.  The book is written well before the events of Eps1-6, so much of the information on the current activities are absent.  Yoda even comments "Updated, this section should be."  Whereupon Dooku says, "So update it, old one!"  Another hilarous note, Yoda comments on knowing Grand Master Fae Coven (author of the Jedi Code chapter) as a youngling, and Ahsoka comments "Yoda was a youngling?!"

Part 2-Jedi Initiate

This section deals with "younglings" (as seen in Ep2) and how they begin their studies.  It also features the trials needed to be undertaken for advancement into padawan status.  It also details the three pillars of the Jedi (Force, knowledge and self-discipline).  This section has many valuable insights into the minds of Dooku, Anakin and Obi-Wan.

Part 3-Jedi Padawan

Next up, this section deals with many aspects of training, lightsaber combat styles and building a lightsaber.  It also mentions the cultures and politics of the Republic, as well as the Trials and Knighting ceremony.  This section has a LOT of notes, and some notes by Sidious.  It is interesting to note that Anakin mentions "phrik" deposits on Gromas (and should mention it to Supreme Chancellor Palpatine).  This is the site of one level of "Dark Forces" (the PC/PSX game) and you blow it up.  Also, Sidious mentions that the "Outbound Flight project" was a "Jedi failure," to which Luke responds that they are alive in the unknown regions (Luke and the New Republic found the survivors of the Outbound Flight project some years AFTER the Battle of Endor, and Luke had "The Jedi Path" at this point).  Extremely interesting.

Part 4-Jedi Knight

This includes the roles and duties of Jedi Knights, the three basic classes (consular, sentinel and guardian), Alter abilites, advanced lightsaber techniques and taking on padawan learners.  Also, it has a brief history of the Sith, and the dangers of the Dark Side.  It also has the requirements of being a Master and Grand Master, as well as a short brief on transcending death (apparently Anakin didn't really read this section while in possession of this book.  Luke's comments on this are fascinating).

Overall, I would give this book a 5 out of 5.  The production value is awesome, and the information is enlightening.  I would recommend this book for any fan.  Add it to your collection, and you won't be disappointed.  Also, if you are a fan of the Saga Edition of the Star Wars RPG, this book will really enhance your game sessions.  The information is presented in easy-to-reference manner, all you have to do is look up the title heading.  It will give your Jedi characters different views on the Jedi themselves, as well as much-needed lightsaber combat forms.  Get it, read it, enjoy it.  Kudos to Daniel Wallace and the team for creating a high-quality, multi-purpose book.
4639116
As a veteran myself (US Army) I find the military terms, tactics and slang quite realistic. I highly enjoy both the storyline and Traviss' deep dives into the heads of the characters. Her portrayals of the clone commandos are especially interesting as she explores how they see the world around them-- extreme military expertise combined with the extreme naiivety possible only in one who has lived a mere 10 years.

Action fans should feel no dismay, as there are also plenty of shooting, scooting, hair-raising air assaults, hand-to-hand combat, and explosions. Lots of big explosions!

Finally, Traviss' exploration of Mandalorian culture and even language is fascinating, and I'm not sure any other author has painted them in such depth. How would a 5,000-year-old warrior culture view the universe, indeed? Read this book, and the series, and find out.
3464475
I loved reading this family saga from start to finish and, despite its hefty length, rarely put it down. Exceptionally well researched and beautifully composed. This is a novel I implore EVERYONE to read! Really appreciated the additional information at the end, especially the fascinating and insightful interview with this brilliant and thoughtful author. A much deserved FIVE STARS!!!
1312360
The back cover of the book's EUCantina review says it best, "Reading Dark Disciple really feels like you're watching some of the best episodes of The Clone Wars." This is certainly true, as the book is written based on un-aired episodes that were intended to be released, however the show was cut short. This book is nothing short of excellent. I read it cover-to-cover in the many long lines at Star Wars Celebration Orlando and simply couldn't put it down. Without giving away any spoilers, this book has a pantheon of awesome and well-known Star Wars characters, from Asajj Ventress to Obi-Wan, Yoda, Anakin, and Mace Windu. Quinlan Vos, the main protagonist, was featured in a couple Clone Wars episodes and follows one of his high priority missions, one highly debated by the Jedi Council. On a more personal note, and I think this is a neat additional feature, I had the privilege to meet Christie Golden at SWCO, and it was an absolute pleasure. Knowing that the author is so friendly, passionate, and fan-oriented only enhanced my experience with Dark Disciple. I am looking forward to her upcoming book Inferno Squad!
3192109
A brilliant job of wordsmithing! This songs provides a great recap of the history of the Star Wars universe.  May the farce be with you!
4757717
This was great. Looking at the Star Wars saga as it relates to Leia's life might be my new favorite thing.

Presented as an in-world biography, the book really focused on Leia's incredible strength as she continues to fight for what's right even after continued losing everything over and over. Reading this in the wake of Carrie Fisher's sudden passing was more than a little emotional.

It was full of fun tidbits about minor film characters like Breha (I'm gonna need a whole movie about her and secret fighting skills asap Disney), cute illustrations, and mini-bios that included lines like "[Han Solo] is perhaps best known as the husband of General Leia Organa". Oh yeah, and cover art by Phil Noto. It's like Disney and Scholastic read my Christmas list. ;)

Also this book somehow did a better job at explaining things than the movies themselves? Things like Anakin and Padme's romance actually sounding plausible, the way the New Republic, Resistance and First Order worked actually made sense (and there was emotional weight given to the destruction of Hosnian Prime? Whaaaat).

I kind of want to buy a copy of this for every child I know.
3272102
Fantastic insider look at the making of Return of the Jedi. Unlike what you find on the bluray/dvd documentaries, this is not a puff piece for Lucasfilm PR. It is a true inside look which includes the behind-the-scenes drama, difficulties, etc. Kudos to Lucas for commissioning these books and allowing Rinzler to write the story "warts and all". Highly recommend you check out the previous books as well.
2233086
Okay... I'm a STAR WARS fan.  Ask anyone.  Really... ANYONE!  I've read several of the pre The Force Awakens novels (do NOT get me started) and enjoyed those that linked new, creative, and downright AWESOME stories to the movies of my childhood!  The animated adventures from The Clone Wars and now Rebels are fantastic stories as well.  This book does a fantastic job of adding some extra "oomph" to The Clone Wars story line.  Reads great.  Lots of details. Very descriptive.  I really liked it, and I'll be on the look out for sure of any "links" between The Clone Wars adventures and some new ones that I can read about!
2292174
A riveting tale of the two most powerful beings in the galaxy and about the chains that bind them together