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Author	Topic: Journey Through the EU: Disc. Heart of Fire
Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 8/4/05 8:20pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	The Mark of the Crown – Jude Watson Book four in the JA series. This book sees Obi and Qui being sent to mediate in a conflict that involves the young prince that Obi kidnapped and impersonated in the previous book. This leads to some slight tension. This book is so slight it’s barely there. The conflict involves a dying queen and her heir and the possibility that there might be another heir. In other words, every fantasy book from the 1970s. There’s a nice action sequence as Qui and Obi journey to the hills to find the other illegitimate heir and have to fend off the nomads who live in the hills. Anyway, Qui-Gon’s old apprentice is involved through some ridiculous labyrinthine plot. It’s pretty stupid. Okay, there’s a character named Elan here . . . if I recall correctly, isn’t there a Yuzhann Vong Priestess by that name? And, in an interesting twist, there is a sword fight. No, an actual sword fight, with metal swords. That’s cool and different. A nice burst of creativity. And the true heir is chosen by virtue of the Mark of the Crown . . . which isn’t actually a mark, but rather the ability to do gymnastics while a laser light show goes on. I didn’t write it, folks, but I’ll swear that’s the truth. And now that all the fighting is over, Watson dedicates three chapters to . . . a democratic election. Yes, I think nothing is quite as thrilling as something that we all participate in several times a year. That’s why there are so many thrillers written about Birthday parties. On the whole, this one is pretty blasé even by the standards of the series. A brief insight to Qui-Gon at the conclusion of the book doesn’t begin to make up for the sheer boredom and idiocy of this plot. * ½ out of **** stars. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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ThrawnRocks Registered: Apr '04	Date Posted: 8/4/05 8:57pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	Rogue1-and-a-half posted: I love the ending gag where Obi-Wan says that he stood up to torture because of the rock that Qui-Gon gave him. He didn’t realize that the stone was a Force artifact, Obi says. A force artifact, Qui Gon responds. I thought it was just a pretty rock. Ahh, yes. I remember that part Clever Jude, clever, and dare I say... funny! Rogue1-and-a-half* posted: *And, in an interesting twist, there is a sword fight. No, an actual sword fight, with metal swords. That’s cool and different. A nice burst of creativity. Oh yes, that was good. As I recall Obi-Wan was having some troubles there... -----signature----- My Icons: http://www.powow.com/thrawnrocks/icons.html Roan Fel's badassery knows no bounds. "The next Allston book should be all Syal and Myri, all the time." - Jello
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 8/27/05 9:19pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	Okay, a book I've been waiting on finally came in via Interlibrary Loan. So, we're back! Yaddle’s Tale: The One Below – Dean Motter Okay, apparently the frame story takes place at this point on the timeline. We’ve talked about the meat of the story already. So, basically, this section of the story is about the Council deciding whether or not to grant Yaddle the status of Jedi Knight *Anyway, not particularly liking the meat of this story, I can’t bring myself to be interested by the frame around that body. Blasé, but at only a few panels, it’s unfair to attempt to critique it. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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AnakinsGirl Registered: Nov '01	Date Posted: 8/27/05 10:09pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	i admire your strength and tenacity. i'm seriously not even kidding when i say that you rock my world, and i wish i had the patience and discipline to take on the same project you are. as it is, i can barely get through the NJO again.
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 8/29/05 8:01pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	The Defenders of the Dead – Jude Watson This book features, in case you thought you’d see it all, a planet that is so divided in civil war that it is known by two names, one for each faction: Melida/Daan. That’s right, even though the culture is the same, the language is the same and all, the fighters on this planet are so different that the words have absolutely linguistic similarity. That’s heavy. Hmm, this book is about a conflict between the young and the old of the planet. I wonder if this could possibly foreshadow anything in Qui-Gon’s relationship to Obi-Wan. I just wonder. I wonder. And how does this work? Are you on the side of the youth until you hit a certain age and then you cross over? The one thing this book does for the good is introduce Tahl, a character who will be one of the only characters in this entire series to connect with the audience on any kind of emotional level. And, just when we most expect it, Obi-Wan deserts Qui-Gon to join the Young. A cliffhanger that is fairly dramatic, perhaps only because I’m picturing Liam Neeson, but pretty predictable too. All in all, this has all the flaws I’ve come to expect from this series: vapid characters, amateurish writing, predictable plots. But it also has some nice positives, namely the introduction of Tahl and a conflict between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan that loses none of its dramatic impact because it is predictable. I’m a bit torn here . . . ½ out of ** stars. Above average, but not great. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 8/30/05 7:42pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	The Uncertain Path – Jude Watson The sixth book out of about a hundred and seventy-five thousand in this series. This one is a bit different since it finds Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan separated for the bulk of the novel. It’s a change for the better, as just about any change would be right now. This book takes a nice turn when Qui-Gon and Tahl are assigned to investigate a series of thefts taking place in the Jedi Temple. It’s a nice unassuming plot and the two characters are charming and interesting in their relationship with each other. Somehow, the banter between Qui-Gon and Tahl comes off as much less forced than the banter between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. There’s a cute moment when Tahl admits that many of the Jedi often mock Yoda’s bizarre method of speech. I bet there are whole days when no one talks straight. I even like the droid who is assigned to help Tahl cope with her blindness. He’s actually funny. Okay, I think the problem with this series: I hate Obi-Wan. Because I’m just realizing that I haven’t liked any of the books to this point. And in this book, which I start to like, I only like the Qui-Gon sections. That’s odd. ”Bant’s silver eyes widened as she opened her door and saw Qui-Gon and Tahl. ‘I would never hurt the temple –‘ she began tearfully.” I don’t know why. This passage just makes me laugh. Just laugh out loud. I don’t know why. Just thought I’d mention it. I don’t know, these are good stories, just not written that well. Check this out. Upon being told that he was being followed by someone who was able to cloak their presence in the Force, Qui-Gon reacts in the following way: “This was the scariest news of all.” Seriously, what the hell? And the death of Cerasi, a beautiful moment from a story standpoint, becomes total camp when you read the line, “Agony ripped through him.” A nice scene when Cerasi’s father, who was on an opposing side, admits that he doesn’t even remember if he killed her or not. Gee, look who the culprit is, exactly who we all knew it was from the minute it happened. On the whole, this book is better. It breaks up the routine, something that was very necessary at this point, having had five books previously of nothing but routine. And the mystery at the temple is actually quite fun. out of ** stars. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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The2ndQuest Title: Manager: -Literature -LACWAC -Games Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 8/30/05 7:56pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project - Date Edited: 7/29 9:00pm (1 edits total) Edited By: The2ndQuest
	*The sixth book out of about a hundred and seventy-five thousand in this series. -----signature----- "When your future self tells you to do something, YOU DO IT." K'Kruhk, 140 ABY:"Why haven't I come forth earlier to share my Jedi knowledge with Skywalker? Well, it's kinda a long story, see, I had this freaking sweet hat..."
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 9/1/05 8:23pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	The Captive Temple – Jude Watson Seventh book in the series, of course. You know, I would swear that in the first book of this series, Bruck’s last name was “Thun” and now it’s “Chun.” That’s so weird. Okay, what dumbass would try to ASSASSINATE Yoda?! Hmm, I’d totally forgotten about Siri Gallia. You know, the little blond Jedi with the snappy temper. I like the moment where Qui-Gon realizes that his old apprentice is behind the attacks on the Temple and it gives him the impetus to reach out to Obi-Wan, his new apprentice, in a new way. A great image when Xanatos rises up out of the water to meet Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. And an above average action sequence. Garen Muln is an interesting character who will show up later. Two great action sequences close the main section of this book: Qui-Gon vs. Xanatos and Obi-Wan vs. Bruck. They’re both very vivid and the death of Bruck is undeniably surprising. Though, why Bruck? It’s trademark with this series to always take the least imaginative way out. Bruck is a jerk so he has to be the villain. I would much preferred to see a villain that Obi-Wan could have been surprised about, Bant, say. And Obi would have been forced to accept that just because someone is a jerk doesn’t make them a tool of the Dark Side. But in Watson’s simple world, I guess it does. And a great bit where Qui-Gon defies the council and swears to go after Xanatos and finally bring him to justice. I must say, nice to see somebody finally getting proactive about something around here. Master Arca and Qui-Gon would not have gotten along well at all. The structure of this book is a bit different, which is nice and Tahl continues to be an engaging character. Also, there are some great action sequences here. All in all * out of ** stars. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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Mastadge Title: Manager Emeritus Registered: Jun '99	Date Posted: 9/2/05 6:06am Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	I must say, nice to see somebody finally getting proactive about something around here. Master Arca and Qui-Gon would not have gotten along well at all. For the same reason Qui-Gon never made it onto the Council. -----signature----- "This will be our reply to violence: To make music more intensely, More beautifully, More devotedly than ever before." - Leonard Bernstein
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 9/2/05 9:17pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	The Day of Reckoning – Jude Watson The eighth book in this series finds Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan pursuing Xanatos to put the smack down on him. Okay, previously Watson gave us a character who said outrageous things and then said, “Not so! I lie!” In this book, there’s a character who says outrageous things and then says, “Joke!” Which is just totally different. And hilarious. Just so hilarious. Okay, Watson seems to be taking on big lotto in this book. Which is not what I expected from a young adult franchise science fiction novel. I have to admit I didn’t buy Xanatos’ death at the end of this book. I kept waiting for him to come back for the rest of the series. Kudos for actually killing someone off, Watson. Great ending with Qui-Gon telling Obi-Wan that he foresees another clash between them in the future. After Obi-Wan reacts with remorse, Qui-Gon says, “You misunderstand me. I look forward to it.” After a few books that broke up the format by splitting Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon and taking place in and around the Temple, this book reads like another “Jedi pair go to strange planet, have wacky hijinks” adventure. It’s distinctly anti-climactic and utterly banal. * out of **** stars. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 9/3/05 9:40pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	The Stark Hyperspace War – John Ostrander Okay, though the timeline does not specify at this point, it is my understanding that the part of this graphic novel that actually takes place here is the extended flashback to the actual war. The frame story that finds several Jedi meeting and reminiscing about the war takes place quite a bit later. And, if I’m not mistaken, this is the story on the timeline that introduces several important characters who will recur for a long time: Nute Gunray is the first of those we see and Finis Valorum is also a major player here. And though it’s not the one we know and love, this comic also introduces the first of the Tarkins. And the introduction of Plo Koon, I think. And it’s Koon that is really the hero of this comic, though it is an ensemble type story. And I really like Tyvoka, the Wookie Jedi. Just seeing a Wookie in a Jedi robe is hilarious. And then he delivers this great line, that I swear I’m going to use sometime: “Thank you for giving me yet another opportunity to control my temper.” Though what the hell does he mean when he says Qui-Gon may be a “gray Jedi?” Jeez, let’s just not even open up that conversation, okay? Ah, and this is the book that, in the timeline, introduces us to Quinlan Vos. Now, let met be honest: I know nothing about this guy. I’ve heard people rant about his importance and, of course, I heard all the press saying he was going to be the EU cameo in Ep. III, but as far as his story, I know nothing. So I look forward to following him and finding out. There’s a lot of wit here in showing the Jedi and the fact that they often dislike each other. A favorite: “I wish to take Plo Koon.” “Ahem.” “As well as Qui-Gon Jinn and his new apprentice.” I must say I like Tholme a lot. There’s a tremendous amount of character in the way he’s drawn, particularly his face. Very unique. And the plot here is very nice with Stark, Gunray and Tarkin all having their own agenda and own plans. The way Stark deals with Tarkin’s fleet is particularly nice. And the action sequence that begins with Tyvoka, the Wookie, flinging a table across the room is stellar. Very fluid. And the climax, when a shouted order to battle droids leads to them opening fire into the fray, shooting not only enemies, but also allies, notably the heroic Tyvoka, feels very real, just the kind of idiotic thing that would happen in a situation like that. Tyvoka’s death and his dying conversation with Plo Koon are both magnificent. A great line from Master Tholme: “I revere Qui-Gon but he doesn’t care that he looks like a Bantha and smells like a Rodian. Not every word from his mouth is a pearl – despite what he himself may think.” Oh, man, that’s freaking hilarious! The way this story then throws together so many different people: Tarkin and his aide, Koon, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, Valorum, Gunray, and then bottles them up in a cave is pure genius and it helps the energy level of the story to have all those disagreements. I understand their function in the story, but the Challat Eaters are very underwhelming. I particularly don’t understand why they were used for the cover. I think one major weakness here is the character of Stark. He seems totally ineffectual and utterly cowed by his “lieutenants.” Hey, Saesee Tiin! Okay, Tarkin’s flipped. And, very abruptly, the Stark Hyperspace War is ended. Whee. Okay, let’s talk honestly about the problems here. The positives include a great cast of diametrically opposed and interesting characters, some great action sequences and, above all, a real ensemble feeling. Unlike the tightly focused, and mostly stagnant, Jedi Apprentice stories, this one feels like a real team effort with lots of players doing things to reach the outcome. But the problem is that this is apparently supposed to be some huge conflict with galactic repercussions and it never feels that way. Stark, as I mentioned above, seems little more than a wishy washy idiot, blown about by every wind of doctrine, as it were and the fact that his ludicrous virus could cripple the Republic is idiotic. But for all that, it’s still entertaining and well written, certainly in the areas of character, dialogue and action sequences. So, we’ll give this one the benefit of the doubt. out of ** stars. -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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The2ndQuest Title: Manager: -Literature -LACWAC -Games Registered: Jan '00	Date Posted: 9/4/05 12:14am Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project - Date Edited: 9/4/05 12:15am (1 edits total) Edited By: The2ndQuest
	i think the idea is that the actual conflict may have lasted longer than what we may think base don the comic alone (I recall someone mentioning a refernece- perhaps in Cloak of Deception- where there's mention of a battle during the Stark Hyperspace War not shown in the comics or some such). But, anyways, I agree that Tyvokka was interesting and Tholme is a great character and the whole Tholme/Qui-Gon/Obi-Wan/Quinlan relationship, in what glimpses we get, are always interesting and well done, both here and in flashbacks in later titles. And the whole Nute Gunray line at the end has me cracking up at his "well, uh...no, but, uh..." in TPM now, hehe ::) -----signature----- "When your future self tells you to do something, YOU DO IT." K'Kruhk, 140 ABY:"Why haven't I come forth earlier to share my Jedi knowledge with Skywalker? Well, it's kinda a long story, see, I had this freaking sweet hat..."
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Rogue_Follower Title: Manager: • Lit Registered: Nov '03	Date Posted: 9/4/05 9:18am Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	Actually, it was the NEGtC which referenced another SHW battle. However, the Bossk entry makes it sound like the battle dealt with defectors from the war...
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ThrawnRocks Registered: Apr '04	Date Posted: 9/4/05 10:31am Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project - Date Edited: 9/6/05 8:29pm (1 edits total) Edited By: The2ndQuest
	Rogue1-and-a-half posted: *Okay, what dumbass would try to ASSASSINATE Yoda?! Sounds in the same league as assasinating Dumbledore highlighting Potter spoilers, since I'm not sure if our spoiler guidelines cover otehr franchises.. -----signature----- My Icons: http://www.powow.com/thrawnrocks/icons.html Roan Fel's badassery knows no bounds. "The next Allston book should be all Syal and Myri, all the time." - Jello
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Rogue1-and-a-half Title: Manager: Amphitheatre Registered: Nov '00	Date Posted: 9/6/05 2:38pm Subject: RE: Journey Through the EU: A Retrospective Project
	No Potter Spoilers! -----signature----- Don't be a fool, don't be blind Heart of mine If you can't do the time, don't do the crime Heart of mine
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