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Author	Topic: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
Havac Title: Lit Mod of War Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 2/27 7:02am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	Average score: 42.55/6 = 7.09 -----signature----- "Have you not yet learned, Executor, that everything I tell you is the truth?" - Vergere Recipient of Thrawn McEwok's Sexually Ambiguous Tusken Raider™ and a Special Golden Ewok™ "Reality doesn't care if you believe it." - Boba Fett
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Bringbacknom Registered: Sep '06	Date Posted: 2/27 10:34am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	I'm not going to exaggerate this rating because I really had great fun reading the book. High points for me: - Ben and Shevu's investigation. It wasn't tense, or tragic, or gloomy. I don't think it was supposed to be. It had to be done, and it was done with style to characterise the son of Skywalker. It gave Ben something to do without merely holding him by the scruff of his robes before setting him loose in Invincible. - Daala's return/name reveal. Internal continuity's been a massive concern in LOTF, but the way it has resolved so many issues outside of the series never seems to get that much praise. Lumiya. Thrackan. Ailyn. All had themselves wrapped up at the start; then things slacked a little. But Daala has been doing nothing in EU novels since Planet of Twilight; she was out there in EU limbo, ignored. Someone finally dusted her off and brought her back in, and, with a sly reference to all the mono-named characters, Traviss gave her a proper moniker. Hurrah! - Battle of Fondor - Traviss's first space battle was awesome. The build-up and sustained tension throughout, with the political subplots, were brilliant. And Daala's KJA-tech weapons were a nice, well-researched touch. - Pellaeon - say what you want, but Admirals should not fade away (unless they die after a great victory, like Ackbar). Bel Iblis, Kre'fey, Farlander, Brand and all the others who dropped off the map after NJO - I thought Pellaeon was firmly in their ranks. So his reveal and final weeks really worked nicely for me. I first met Pelly when I was about eight or nine; same with Daala. One returned, one left in Rev, but I was happy with Traviss' choices. Tahiri's entering the cabin was also very eerie. - Jaina - decent characterization, and she met Jacen at the end anyway, rather than hold it till Invincible - Sith apprentice, finally! But I'll come onto Tahiri - Tebut - the focus on this was realistic and perfect. Nevil's dilemma ("Don't fear me."(!)), Makin, Reige and the Devis info was also welcome - The EU feel. Ok, we didn't get much in the way of Phennir or Corellia. But Fondor/Bilbringi/Remnant/Moffs worked for me. And what happened on Shogun was a good li'l subplot - Chimaera. "She was never confirmed destroyed..." - awesome! Hmmm... - Tahiri. Usually I don't mind when characters go down strange paths. But when I found myself desperate that she should die, I thought back to EOV and winced. She's really had an awful time in the EU. I also kept expecting, not through any preference of my own, for her and Jacen to get it on. Depraved Sith style. - Ah, Sintas. Boba didn't reach a conclusion with you, and he didn't die. So what's the point? - Mandalorians - far more tolerable, but don't condescend to Jaina, please. - The intro leads to each chapter started to drag a little - NABOO!!!!!! Was it five mentions in the end?! - Movie lines, constantly forced in. Pacing, good, except towards the end when it felt like a Return of the King style repeated fade to black. Characterization - dead on, as it so often is with Traviss. Pellaeon's woman-obsession was a little unnerving, but hey. Writing/dialogue - some of the best of LOTF, as I saw it. I didn't feel like I was indulging in a guilty pleasure as I read this, for once. It was at times impressive! Bring on Invincible, I say. From the preview, we can see Denning doesn't immediately reject all Traviss's work. And Troy will put the Sith Order in - they're just on hold, I'm sure. And with Daala's return, I'm more confident than ever that we'll see in the Sith some familiar cough BLACKHOLE cough faces once more. In conclusion, I read SW Lit to get taken to that GFFA. Revelation delivered that for me, far above my expectations. 9.1 -----signature----- Down with squibs!
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Havac Title: Lit Mod of War Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 2/27 10:58am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	Average score: 51.65/7 = 7.38 -----signature----- "Have you not yet learned, Executor, that everything I tell you is the truth?" - Vergere Recipient of Thrawn McEwok's Sexually Ambiguous Tusken Raider™ and a Special Golden Ewok™ "Reality doesn't care if you believe it." - Boba Fett
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NelanisGhost Registered: Jun '06	Date Posted: 2/27 12:00pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers) - Date Edited: 2/27 12:07pm (1 edits total) Edited By: NelanisGhost
	5. NABOO, NABOO, NABOO, NABOO BLOODY NABOO. Theed horseshoes, ancient naval warfare, Naboo timeshares, ad nauseum. Please, please please--let us permanently veto any quirky little plot points that invoke arcane beliefs, recreational activities, or "galactic" myths from the planets of Naboo, Tatooine, or Corellia UNLESS IT IS REMOTELY BELIEVABLE THAT THE GALAXY AT LARGE WOULD HAVE ACCESS TO THESE LITTLE LOCAL NICETIES! I sympathize. And you're right, it's out of place. The only way I see it is that the YV destroyed almost every other recognizable planet. Naboo is very beautiful and it was passed over, probably because it was already unspoiled. So, now it's become a destination after so many other worlds are still rebuilding. That makes sense. -----signature----- The country is now run by the traitors Thomas Jefferson WARNED us about. Enemies within.
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PointGiven Registered: Dec '06	Date Posted: 2/27 12:28pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers) - Date Edited: 2/27 12:54pm (2 edits total) Edited By: Havac
	The Good Ben Skywalker- He’s really coming into his own now. He kept his emotions in check to gain indisputable evidence that Jacen killed his mother. His determination and rationality are something to behold. I can’t wait to see how he’ll take the Jedi Order in a new direction once he gets old enough. I also think he should be sticking a saber in Jacen to finish him, but DR is fixated on this “twin battle” Lon Shevu- A few months ago, I messaged Karen Traviss asking to keep Lon Shevu alive as he was one of my favorite characters. She replied that she’d already finished the book and couldn’t give it away but she assured me that Captain Shevu would play an important role. How right she is, Shevu is Ben’s true mentor; helping him at every turn yet leaving him to discover things on his own. He’s always there for him to lean on and he’s the consummate professional. It was good to get some back story on him as well, his secret marriage to Shula and sending her away for her own safety, and how Jacen trusts him so Jaina/Jag- understated but beautiful. It’s a given, and I’m happy Pellaeon- great to see the old warrior come out for one last turn. Darth Caedus- Although Inferno and Fury were rip-roaring adventures, they really messed with Jacen’s characterization. He seemed to be extremely insane, and didn’t justify his own actions. Thankfully his true self is somewhat back. Although he is still deluded, he gives reasons for his actions and they do make sense from a twisted point of view. He doesn’t seem to be completely insane anymore and even admits his faults such as with Tebut, and shows some humor even if it is just to convince his crew he hasn’t lost it. Niathal- glad to see her get some page time. Her dilemma is great to watch and you really feel her anguish when the minelayers are blown out of the sky. Wish she hasn’t underestimated the fleet’s loyalty to Jacen though. The Force Illusion- Second time in a Traviss book that Luke gets to humiliate Jacen(first with the chair) except this time he has an audience. His near capture of him is astounding Battle of Fondor- best space battle in LotF by far. Reaction to Tebut's death- glad to see it didn't get passed over. Good to see the reaction to thte death spreading and people starting to fear Jacen, which of course forces him to take steps to counter this and gives Niathal an excuse to force out Jacen The Bad Mandos- Well I finally read the Mando parts in detail instead of just skimming like in Bloodlines and Sacrifice, and it wasn’t all that bad, but still get your own series Karen Traviss. That being said, I felt a bit bad for Boba but Gotab and Beviin annoyed me to no end Tahiri- I can’t reconciliate her personality with what she’s become. I remember when she was the first to speak out against Jacen in DNT, now what’s happened? Mirta Gev’s relationship with Jaina- Well it wasn’t bad in that sense, but the entire thing seemed very forced. I also have a hard time believing that Mirta didn’t go all beserker once she realized how close she was to Jacen Jacen almost dying at the hand of Mandos- Bullpants. Just so I’m just going to pretend it never happened. Kind of like I pretend that KT left out a few zeros when talking about the size of the Clone Army. Lack of Han, Leia, Allana and Tenel Ka- I wanted to see some interaction between all of them and the stories they would tell each other Lack of Jaina’s reaction to being an aunt, Luke being a grand-uncle and Ben being a second cousin (I think)- wanted to see these too The Ugly Fett/Daala- Yuck. Overall I’d give it an 8.1 . Would be an 8.6 if we had some closure with Allana. Mandos drop it from 9 status for sure. -----signature----- Proud Obama Campaign Worker. FIRED UP AND READY TO GO!!!
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ConservativeSoldier Registered: Oct '05	Date Posted: 2/27 12:53pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	Revelation was hands-down Ms. Traviss' best work. She has consistently shown that she is gifted at writing complex relationships and personalizing this galaxy far, far away. I was blown away by her characterizations of the interactions between Ben/Luke/Shevu, Jaina and the Mandos, Pellaeon and the Moffs, and Caedus/Niathal. I honestly believe that after eight books of LotF, if Traviss had been able to write the other five thus far, we would have a truly epic story centering around the Solo/Skywalker clans. As much as I enjoy Denning and Allston for their strengths, Ms. Traviss is just a flat-out terrific author who gets the relationship aspect that this story is supposed to be conveying. Disclaimer: I'm not a Fandalorian. The plot was well done. It transitioned well from Fury in as much as Corellia is out of the picture with Centerpoint destroyed and Commenor is not much of a threat considering a giant asteroid was slung into its surface--the focus on Fondor made sense. And the Battle of Fondor kicked so much ass. I didn't think she'd be able to write space battles very well (shame on me given her time in the Royal Navy), but she's shown she's extremely capable at writing an engaging, thrilling, and large-scale engagement. Cameos by her previous characters, Makin and Piris, were well done. And even characters like Kral Nevil were portrayed perfectly and showed greater cohesion from the previous novel. (Sidenote: Glad he's alive) The Mandalorian angle has worked out perfectly to be honest. They fit into the greater war considering how valuable their new fighters and the newly rediscovered Mandalorian iron is to both sides and the demons plaguing Fett, Mirta, and Sintas truly are applicable to the Solo and Skywalker clans. The fact that Fett and Han were once mortal enemies with a nasty history makes Jaina's mission to seek Fett out all the more clever. And Traviss does a great job showing that there's little a Mando can teach a Jedi about fighting. Goran tells Jaina that within a week, she'd master everything and kill him. The Mandalorians know the Jedi are more powerful and they admit as much (which should make some of her critics rethink how they think Ms. Traviss views the Jedi/Mandos); what Jaina sought out initially was flawed, but what she discovered and learned from her time wasn't. She found herself, learned her own weaknesses, and a basic truth about the way things are that will surely give her the strength to do what has to be done: end her brother. And I guarantee you that her time on Mandalore helps her become a better person and greater Jedi, too. There were a couple of continuity flubs (i.e. "First female Moff," "Borleias as a banking world"), but those are easily overlooked. I should note that there were more Yuuzhan Vong War references in this novel than in past ones and I felt like Traviss really made you feel like that war really mattered and had the impact we all felt it did. Oh, and the return of the Imperial Remnant was awesome. Even Daala's return was stylishly done. Daala isn't made out to be some awesome and brilliant tactician. She just is what she is. There were some other weak points. I thought having Tahiri around was good, but her characterization wasn't as strong. I think that's due to two things: 1). We never got her PoV. 2). The other authors never put much effort into making her a believable agent for Jacen. Overall, this book gets a 9/10. Perfect setup for Invincible! -----signature----- Aut vincere aut mori! Joe Biden says paying taxes is patriotic. Joe Biden is an idiot. John McCain '08.
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Havac Title: Lit Mod of War Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 2/27 12:58pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	Average score: 68.75/9 = 7.64 -----signature----- "Have you not yet learned, Executor, that everything I tell you is the truth?" - Vergere Recipient of Thrawn McEwok's Sexually Ambiguous Tusken Raider™ and a Special Golden Ewok™ "Reality doesn't care if you believe it." - Boba Fett
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Thrawn McEwok Title: TFN EU Staff Registered: May '00	Date Posted: 2/27 4:58pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	The first main site review is up: 2.7/4, which works out at 6.75/10. I enjoyed it more than Bloodlines and Sacrifice, though I'm not enthusiastic about everything in it... - The Imperial Ewok -----signature----- A/T = OTP "To write one Solo twin as an angstbunny, Master Skywalker, might be considered unfortunate. To write BOTH that way looks like carelessness."
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Chronopoint Registered: Nov '02	Date Posted: 2/27 7:55pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	BLUF: 8.8/10 Unlike a few of the other posters, I am a Fett / Mando enthusiast. With that said, I was extremely pleased with this book. Not sure how much substance there is in this review, but it touchs on most of the elements that I remember as particularly interesting. I have to say that I have found personally found Traviss' style of writing and storytelling to be much more appealing than Allston or Denning's. I think she captures the characters' emotions and dialogue much better. There several times when I was so engrossed by the story that I actually had chills run down my spine. I think of the three authors, she does the best at evoking these feelings. This iteration is no exception. Imperial Remnant - I have always been a fan of the Imperials. They are ruthless, tenacious, and precise. Traviss brings them back in true form. I was mostly happy with Palleon. He is one of those great Admirals and strategists from the past and, despite his old age, is still in top form. I was somewhat surprised that Palleon would unwittingly allow himself to be killed by Tahiri. He knew what she was, and he knew Jacen was treacherous. I find it difficult to believe that he wouldn't have anticipated her action. It was even more peculiar that she was not immediately taken into custody at the onset of the 'betrayal'. Daala - I thought this was great. Although it was not very surprising by the time her name was finally mentioned, I was still excited to see her back. I am hoping that she will continue to play a significant role in Invincible. Fett - Fett is one of my favorites, which should explain why I am particularly enthusiastic towards Traviss' contributions. He was neglected throughout the NJO and I think the direction they took Fett and the Mandos was very intriguing. There was a time when I would not have wanted to know all this backstory for Fett. I thought it would weaken him. Indeed the prequels nearly destroyed the character for me. Traviss has managed to rekindle my facination with his character. He is so awkward as Mandalore, I love it. I felt that the family and friend interactions were spot on and very believable. On a side note, I am concerned that Traviss is not 'finishing' Fett's story arc in this series. Neither Allston, nor Denning have handled Fett in their installments. I've already read most of the preview for Invincible, which was what lead to my concern. In fairness, I think that they struggle with all of the characters, but I am most familiar with Fett and am not sure he will be able effectively use these characters. Daala / Fett - The only part that I found particularly odd about this was the final scene with them. I am not entirely certain that it is anything more than two socially awkward and emotionally scarred individuals who, because of their shared misfortunes, are able to get along on friendly terms. I personally don't think it was anything more than that, but given how comically awkward it would be, I think it could have some potential in the right hands. Beviin - Beviin really stood out for me. Again, this is all rooted in my facination for Mandos, but I felt that he was a very strong supporting character for the various Fett, and Fett and Jaina plots. Another example of Traviss creating truly believable characters. Caedus - I really learned to hate him in Revelation. I was never a big fan of his character, but I was surprised how much I yearned for Caedus to bite the bullet, for him to be humiliated and defeated. Luke - Where the heck did he go during the fight at Fondor?? How many times are we going to read about him, or any number of other characters trying to 'redeem' Jacen? Just two books ago they were trying to assassinate him. What has changed since then that they would give abduction another shot?? The whole Skywalker and Solo clan seem to be on a pendulum and can't decide when he's completely dead and when there is still hope to save him. I did enjoy Ben and Luke's relationship in this book. I was frustrated in the early novels because of how their relationship was strained. I was glad to see them bond and grieve together. Naboo? - Daboo, who cares - not a big deal...didn't even notice it. The space battle was very exciting. Every moment was chaotic and full of energy! Daala's arrival at the battle did not disappoint either. I found it quite humorous that Caedus dismissed it at first. Missing Characters - It's really difficult to incorporate all the characters, but the thing that has troubled me over the course of this series is the disappearance of critical players in between installments. Characters who play significant roles are heavily favored in one book and then completley ignored in others. I can understand focusing on certain groups of characters for the respective authors (Traviss - Mandos / Fett for example), but it's frustrating that this affects the flow of the series. Beskar Armor - I did not find it the least bit over powered. Likewise for the Mando's themselves. Keep in mind that these were supposed to be Fett's elite. What good is the Armor if it doesn't protect? That's what makes the Beskar unique and important. If it wasn't significantly more effective than the TK armor, for instance, then it wouldn't serve any purpose at all and it would be senseless to wear it. As far as storytelling is concerned, I felt that the Beskar allowed Traviss to create a much more 'graphic' and 'intense' grind on the Bloodfin. That is exactly how I imagined it would be - a close proximity grind through the ship. ummmm Okay - there's more, but I have some physics to study... -----signature----- - Chronopoint http://www.501st.com - 501st Pathfinders - 'Leading the Way!' http://www.bikerscout.net Paralada.org (The inspiration to attempt what has not yet been done) http://www.mrpoesmorgue.com/usvsd/usvsd.html (Proof SW owns ST)
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Havac Title: Lit Mod of War Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 2/27 7:56pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers) - Date Edited: 2/27 7:57pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Havac
	Average score: 84.3/11 = 7.66 -----signature----- "Have you not yet learned, Executor, that everything I tell you is the truth?" - Vergere Recipient of Thrawn McEwok's Sexually Ambiguous Tusken Raider™ and a Special Golden Ewok™ "Reality doesn't care if you believe it." - Boba Fett
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Xiphos Registered: Dec '07	Date Posted: 2/27 10:19pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers) - Date Edited: 2/27 10:22pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Xiphos
	Rating: 8.5 out of 10 I've never been big into Fett, I'm not afraid to say it. When I first watched the Original Trilogy, he was tied with Greedo for last in my favorite character list. However, I've found it interesting to read into Fetts past and find out why he's the cold hard stone mando we all know him to be. Now, TO THE BOOK! Going into this book, as some of you may have read, I had this image of someone confronting Caedus, and he finally revealing himself to the galaxy (more specifically the Jedi) that he was a Sith by igniting his red lightsaber. Wait...did he even draw his lightsaber in this book? I hadn't given much thought to Jainas training, and wasn't really sure what to expect. I thought the constant, and even subliminal battle raging between Niathal and Caedus was funny, and made for fun reading. It really showed how far Caedus had come, and how far he was willing to go. Am I the only one who didn't like the major absence of Luke through most of the first half? I know he more than made up for it by kicking Caedus' ass infront of his own fleet and commanding officer (technically speaking). The biggest suprise I got out of the entire book was seeing Daala again. Now I've read the books where she first appears but nothing beyond that, so if she's been around more and most of you weren't suprised...forgive me. I didn't like Ben at all in this book. Ok, I'm glad that he finally got the guts tot up and start looking for proof that Caedus murdered Mara, congradulations. Though it didn't need to be as drawn out as it was. I was upset with what the did to Shevus character, because I expected him to be like his grandfather and serve Caedus faithfully. I was a little suprised to see it take this long before Maras force ghost make an appearance. I had thought that she'd appear much earlier, but it made sense that she appears now...so I'm ok with it. As for Fett being nice to someone with the name of Solo, I'm honestly not suprised. Some people would've be astounded, but I believe Fett when he said that he only hunted Han because someone paid him to. Han simply created the rivalry himself. I didn't like the constant angle from the Imperial Remnant, but it helped with the plot. I didn't like the fact, or maybe I missed it, that Tahiri suddenly knew that Jacen was a sith. Maybe I missed it, or maybe word got around when he told Niathal he was Sith but assuming I didn't miss it, the subject was severly lacking. The Battle of Fondor was interesting. At first I didn't really like it, but when Caedus opened up a can and basically won it and then played power struggle with Niathal, it made it the most interesting battle in galatic history. I also thought Caedus getting his butt handed to him by Luke was the funny. My FUNNIEST moment of the book: The funniest moment (in my opinion) in the book comes to us on page 203: "Don't get killed, Dad. You know what it did to Fett. I don't want to end up like him." "Fithly rich?" "No, polishing my dad's old ship and hassiling Uncle Han." -----signature----- Best moment of Legacy of the Force: "Don't get killed, Dad. You know what it did to Fett. I don't want to end up like him." "Fithly rich?" "No, polishing my dad's old ship and hassiling Uncle Han." - Luke & Ben Skywalker
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ConservativeSoldier Registered: Oct '05	Date Posted: 2/27 10:27pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	Xiphos posted: I was upset with what the did to Shevus character, because I expected him to be like his grandfather and serve Caedus faithfully. You confused Shevu for Jori Lekauf. Lekauf's grandfather faithfully served Vader just as Lekauf faithfully served Jacen. Lekauf was killed saving Ben in Sacrifice. -----signature----- Aut vincere aut mori! Joe Biden says paying taxes is patriotic. Joe Biden is an idiot. John McCain '08.
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Valandhir Registered: Apr '06	Date Posted: 2/27 11:19pm Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	I enjoyed reading Revelation so much it kept me up all night. The book lives up to the title in many aspects of the story. 1) Ben gets on with his investigation and finds solid proof that it was Jacen who killed Mara. Not a great revelation but it will be for all those who believed Alema was the culprit. I like the way Ben's development is built up. Less childish than it was with the Solo kids and more Jedi-like all the same. I hope to read more about him some time. 2) Jacen chooses to reveal himself as a SithLord, he also gets revealed as such by others who use the term to describe him. The question "Sith. Do you know what that is?" is reoccuring in several moments of the book. The way Jacen chooses to claim the title openly, marks a new step in his development as a Sith. I think it was handled perfectly in the book, it isn't the big defining moment but it just happensand many people will wonder afterward how it could have happened. 3) Jaina has her revelation in the conversation with Gotab and I think part of it before in her conversations with Mirta. Her whole learning process marks a good deal of character development. I loved the way she delved into Mando culture and views. There's another revelation for you: she gets to understand more about herself and the Jedi by looking into the mirror the Mandalorians prove to be. The book also strives to explain a little more how the Mandalorians (of old as well as new) could prove so much trouble for the Jedi. Being a huge KOTOR fan, I loved the parts about breskar, fighting spirit and all the other little thinks built in here. 4)Mirta's revelation about what truly happened between her grandparents is another great revelation and reflects nicely on the overall storyarc. Here's another family, deeply conflicted, willing to fight and kill each other and yet things spin out quite differently than inside the troubled Skywalker/Solo clan. 5) Gotab's backstory is a revelation of another kind, harking back to the Old Republic and the purges. I was really happy when I read why he had left the temple in the first place. Ever since the invention of the clone army I wondered if none of the Jedi thought along those very lines, he explains to Jaina. 6)Admiral Daala. Her return is a revelation all by itself and the small facts that come along as you learn about her and her junkyard fleet built up a revelation all of itself. I didn't like the death of Peallon but I see it was necessary for the development of the story. The thoughts she expresses to Boba Fett about the Jedi and Sith are frightening but right in a certain way. So there's a lot of good matrial in the book, the characters move towards their final positioning for the endgame. For all those who complained about the lack of Han/Leia/Allana elements, I think that Han and Leia will be bystanders in the great confrontation to come. So the book could ignore them a bit. The whole Fondor battle was a bit too long and tedious for my tastes, and I was sorely tempted to skip through parts of it. So the overall rating from me is 8.5/10 -----signature----- Why did I follow him? Why do things happen, as they do in dreams? All I know is: when he beckoned I had to follow. From this moment on we journeyed east. Always to the east.
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GoA Registered: Dec '07	Date Posted: 2/28 12:07am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	I'm going to point-form my likes and dislikes, then add my score at the bottom. Keep in mind, these are just random observations, so each point might not follow on the previous one. Likes: -Jaina finally coming to the forefront. For much of LotF, she's been a background character, there only because her last name is "Solo", but not actually doing all that much. The previous book started this trend (with her appearing more), and Revelation continued it. If the cover of Invincible is an indication, the last one will continue it as well. I think this is a good thing, as I've always been a closet Jaina fan (I say closet, because she hasn't given me much to cheer for post-NJO). -Pellaeon's parts. I enjoy this character. It does bite that he died, but I suppose eventually they all have to (other than the Big Three). I thought his portrayal was very good. However, I'm not a fan of who killed him. See my dislikes section for this. -The Mandalorian parts. In and of themselves, I liked reading about Fett and his clan of armored thugs. It was also interesting to see the tie-in from the RC books, with Jusik's appearance. -Ben Skywalker. His character is developing nicely. Now let's just hope the authors and/or LFL don't decide to butcher his character, like they have with almost all the Next Generation characters. If he turns Darkside in the next series, shoot me. Dislikes: -The Mandalorian parts. Wait, didn't I list this in my likes section? Well, yeah. I enjoy reading about Mandalorians. But the thing is, in THIS series, I found that there was too much story about them. It felt especially out of place, since it was Traviss alone who seemed to even give a damn about them. And because of her obsession with them, this meant that other plot points or characters were omitted, all so Traviss could add her pet project to the series. -Where was Wedge? Tenel Ka? Allana? The rest of the Jedi? This, I believe, is a side effect of having too much of Traviss' books dedicated to the Mandos. Characters that should be (and are, when Denning and Allston write) a big part of the series, aren't even mentioned. That, IMO, is incredibly annoying. We left the last book with Tycho's fate up in the air, and with Tenel Ka and Allana (y'know, big parts of Jacen's life) only mentioned in Jacen's various internal monologues. But we get zero scenes with them. -This has been mentioned already by others, but it bothered me as well. Mandalorian beskar (sp) armor, and how almost-invincible it is. Come on, now. Overpowered weapons/armor is silly. I hate to say it, but again, this idea smacks of Traviss once again wanting the Mandos to one-up the Jedi. Ooh, look at me. I have armor that the obnoxious Jedi can't penetrate. Silly, silly, silly. -Tahiri being the one to kill Pellaeon. I dislike this character with a passion. I dislike the fact she's portrayed so poorly. I do not enjoy reading any scenes she's in, except if it ends up being her death scene. The fact they decided to make her Jacen's apprentice is another reason I'm only luke-warm to this series. Score = 7.5 -----signature----- Everything I tell you is a lie
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_Catherine_ Registered: Jun '07	Date Posted: 2/28 6:56am Subject: RE: The JC Lit Reviews Special: LEGACY OF THE FORCE: REVELATION (Spoilers)
	Xiphos posted: As for Fett being nice to someone with the name of Solo, I'm honestly not suprised. Some people would've be astounded, but I believe Fett when he said that he only hunted Han because someone paid him to. Han simply created the rivalry himself. The Last One Standing posted: Oddly enough, the sight of Solo—looking at him through the rifle scope—filled Fett with a nostalgia that surprised him. There was no question in Fett's mind that Solo was a bad man, worse in every way that counted than the Butcher of Montellian Serat; and if that bounty had brought Fett no joy, he had handed the Butcher over to his executioners with little enough in the way of regret. Solo, though—it came to Fett as a revelation that Solo's presence, over the course of the decades, had in a way been oddly comforting. He had been a part, however peripherally, of Fett's life for so long that Fett had difficulty picturing a world without him. The world had changed, and changed, and only Solo had remained a constant. He'd Hunted Solo for various clients, various bounties. Fett had difficulty picturing a world without Solo— —he leaned in and touched the scope's focusing ring. Solo's image, and that of the woman Fett assumed was Incavi Larado, though he did not recognize her, leapt into sharp relief; and Fett's finger tightened on the trigger. He wouldn't make the mistake of trying to take Solo alive, not again. And he would learn to picture a world without him. Sorry to go off-topic, but it just irks me how often that line in TUF gets misinterpreted/accepted as truth. We know that Fett and Han had a feud going The Hutt Gambit to just before the Hand of Thrawn duology. We know that they hated each other, and one flippantly delivered throwaway line in a Luceno book isn't going to retcon that! -----signature----- There ain't no rust on the happiness bus. I don't understand this: http://youtube.com/watch?v=bPmN00_HUsE
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