Author Topic: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Cash_Fendar  175 posts
Registered: Apr '09
6242_2-1B
Date Posted: 5/19 4:29pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Never mind...I should've looked at the beginning of this thread. I totally forgot there was an abbreviation key! My fault!!

 

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Xicer  780 posts
Registered: Aug '08
48419_Imperial Sentinel (51209)
Date Posted: 5/19 6:37pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here! - Date Edited: 5/19 6:39pm (2 edits total) Edited By: Xicer
As for your second question, there are a series of three books written by Brian Daley called the Han Solo Adventures. These books include: Han Solo at Stars' End, Han Solo's Revenge, and Han Solo and the Lost Legacy. You can typically find them collected together in omnibus format. Though they were written almost 30 years ago, they take place during Crispin's last Han Solo book: Rebel Dawn. Rebel Dawn has various interludes where Daley's books fit right in. So when you get around to Rebel Dawn, be sure to read Daley's books in the correct parts. His books are enjoyable on their own, but they add a bit to Rebel Dawn.

 

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The2ndQuest  40221 posts
Title: Manager:
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Registered: Jan '00
49624_H234: Samus
Date Posted: 5/19 7:18pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Though it should be noted that you don't have to read the HSA books during Rebel Dawn- the book stands alone by itself fine. But, reading them within Rebel Dawn is a fun way to do it if you have the HSAs onhand- though the switches in writing styles can be a little weird, it actually balances out the whole nicely. The HSAs are a fun read, though- definitely give them a chance.

 

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"When your future self tells you to do something, YOU DO IT."
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Manisphere  2931 posts
Registered: Aug '07
44127_Darth Krayt
Date Posted: 5/19 7:38pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
I'd say to read the Daley stuff for Rebel Dawn. I didn't and found the book a bit hollow in the middle without Han and Chewie.

 

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Cash_Fendar  175 posts
Registered: Apr '09
6242_2-1B
Date Posted: 5/20 6:22am Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
If the HSA and the Allen Dean Foster book were written so long ago, then why does Zahn seem to get all the credit for being the first of the EU? Are those older books not considered EU as well?

 

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"Tracy my cap is luke."
"Luke warm Chris?"
"No f@#kin Luke Skywalker you inbred!"
-The Kids in the Hall:Brain Candy-
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Arawn_Fenn  10379 posts
Registered: Jul '04
46079_Darth Plagueis
Date Posted: 5/20 8:20am Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
The first EU:


The first EU novel:

 

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The2ndQuest  40221 posts
Title: Manager:
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Registered: Jan '00
49624_H234: Samus
Date Posted: 5/20 10:50am Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Cash_Fendar posted:
If the HSA and the Allen Dean Foster book were written so long ago, then why does Zahn seem to get all the credit for being the first of the EU? Are those older books not considered EU as well?


Zahn's book mark the beginning of the modern EU/publishing program and the concerted LFL effort to maintain a single continuity, after 7-8 years of no new novels published.

There were efforts by Marvel editors and writers in letter columns to keep some continuity with things like SOTME, etc- and, are the source of the earliest retcons, but it wasn't an actual LFL program until Sue started tracking a timeline and they made efforts to merge media around the time of Zahn's books that the EU as we know was really born.

 

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"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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QUIGONMIKE 
Registered: Jan '09
14355_Qui-Gon Jinn
Date Posted: 5/21 12:48pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Well, Im on my last book of the Thrawn trilogy and so far, so good! I just ordered the JAT and I, Jedi figuring that those would make good follow ups to what Ive read thus far. I also read Truce at Bakura as my first novel and although it was decent, it doesnt seem to be critical reading it before TTT so anyone just starting out can decide if they want to start there or not. TTT seems to be a good starting point for newbies(like me). They have a lot of the original characters in them and it "feels" like traditional Star Wars stuff. Nothing crazy or goofy happens that would probably turn off a newbie.

Im planning on skipping the Dark Force comics or whatever..I just dont do comics and from what Ive heard, these do get a little over the top with the situations that occur and not everyone likes it. I hope that JAT doesnt rely too much on Dark Force since Im skipping them.

Anyways, great reading so far. I like Zahns style a lot. Man, TTT would make great SW movies, huh? wink

So, heres my official status thus far:

Truce at Bakura - done
Heir to the Empire - done
Dark Force Rising - done
The Last Command - in progress
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 1 - coming up
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 2 - coming up
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 3 - coming up
I, Jedi - coming up

After those, I'll probably have to pick everyones brain here to see what the next logical, time-line accurate books would be to read.

 

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Xicer  780 posts
Registered: Aug '08
48419_Imperial Sentinel (51209)
Date Posted: 5/21 3:44pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Your thinking of the Dark Empire comics, and yes they are quite important. They're fairly controversial but still a huge event in the EU that is not to be missed. JAT does in fact reference the series, and I think it's important that you check the comics out.

 

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"Poor Moneo."
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Manisphere  2931 posts
Registered: Aug '07
44127_Darth Krayt
Date Posted: 5/21 5:51pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here! - Date Edited: 5/21 5:53pm (1 edits total) Edited By: Manisphere
QUIGONMIKE posted:
Well, Im on my last book of the Thrawn trilogy and so far, so good! I just ordered the JAT and I, Jedi figuring that those would make good follow ups to what Ive read thus far. I also read Truce at Bakura as my first novel and although it was decent, it doesnt seem to be critical reading it before TTT so anyone just starting out can decide if they want to start there or not. TTT seems to be a good starting point for newbies(like me). They have a lot of the original characters in them and it "feels" like traditional Star Wars stuff. Nothing crazy or goofy happens that would probably turn off a newbie.

Im planning on skipping the Dark Force comics or whatever..I just dont do comics and from what Ive heard, these do get a little over the top with the situations that occur and not everyone likes it. I hope that JAT doesn't rely too much on Dark Force since Im skipping them.

Anyways, great reading so far. I like Zahns style a lot. Man, TTT would make great SW movies, huh? wink

So, heres my official status thus far:

Truce at Bakura - done
Heir to the Empire - done
Dark Force Rising - done
The Last Command - in progress
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 1 - coming up
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 2 - coming up
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 3 - coming up
I, Jedi - coming up

After those, I'll probably have to pick everyones brain here to see what the next logical, time-line accurate books would be to read.




Xicer posted:
Your thinking of the Dark Empire comics, and yes they are quite important. They're fairly controversial but still a huge event in the EU that is not to be missed. JAT does in fact reference the series, and I think it's important that you check the comics out.


I defiantly echo Xicer's recommendation of Dark Empire. I would only recommend Dark Empire 1. It comes in a 6 issue graphic novel. It's by far the best story and one of the most consistently refereed to event in the entire EU. The second two are barely mentioned in the novels.

I am a novel person too. I never read comics growing up. I still don't do superhero comics. But after you've vacuumed all you can in the prose department you might want to check out some of the current comic titles. There really has been some brilliant stuff this past 8 years or so. Plenty of controversial things are happening in both the books and the comics. In my opinion the comics have been less controversial than the last novel series, Legacy of the Force.

As far as novels go, after you do finish the JAT and I, Jedi you might like to try Darksaber by Anderson. He's quite a miligned writer for the EU considering how much he has given to it. Darksaber is kind of a JAT sequal. Also, if you like Corran Horn in I, Jedi you might like the X-Wing Series by Michael Stackpole. It's a truly tremendous series about Corran, Wedge and a small group of X-Wing pilots just after ROTJ.

 

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The2ndQuest  40221 posts
Title: Manager:
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Registered: Jan '00
49624_H234: Samus
Date Posted: 5/21 9:18pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
I'd echo Manisphere's comments for a good selection of related material to followup TTT, JAT & IJ.

 

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"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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Rew  1654 posts
Registered: Dec '08
48136_Marvin (42109_
Date Posted: 5/22 1:09pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Quick question:

Are the junior novelizations of the film trilogies (by Patricia Wrede and Ryder Windham respectively) available in single-volume issues, like the prequel trilogy in one volume and the original trilogy in another--or maybe all six episodes in a single volume?

I ask because I could've sworn I've seen a hardcover version(s) of that before, but I can't find it anywhere on Wookieepedia or Amazon. thinking

 

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Plaristes  384 posts
Registered: Jul '07
8068_R5-D4
Date Posted: 5/22 7:58pm Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Rew posted:
Quick question:

Are the junior novelizations of the film trilogies (by Patricia Wrede and Ryder Windham respectively) available in single-volume issues, like the prequel trilogy in one volume and the original trilogy in another--or maybe all six episodes in a single volume?

I ask because I could've sworn I've seen a hardcover version(s) of that before, but I can't find it anywhere on Wookieepedia or Amazon. thinking


Yes, each of the trilogies were bound together. I think they were Borders exclusives, though, which might explain why they're not on amazon.

 

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QUIGONMIKE 
Registered: Jan '09
14355_Qui-Gon Jinn
Date Posted: 5/23 3:58am Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
Manisphere posted:
QUIGONMIKE posted:
Well, Im on my last book of the Thrawn trilogy and so far, so good! I just ordered the JAT and I, Jedi figuring that those would make good follow ups to what Ive read thus far. I also read Truce at Bakura as my first novel and although it was decent, it doesnt seem to be critical reading it before TTT so anyone just starting out can decide if they want to start there or not. TTT seems to be a good starting point for newbies(like me). They have a lot of the original characters in them and it "feels" like traditional Star Wars stuff. Nothing crazy or goofy happens that would probably turn off a newbie.

Im planning on skipping the Dark Force comics or whatever..I just dont do comics and from what Ive heard, these do get a little over the top with the situations that occur and not everyone likes it. I hope that JAT doesn't rely too much on Dark Force since Im skipping them.

Anyways, great reading so far. I like Zahns style a lot. Man, TTT would make great SW movies, huh? wink

So, heres my official status thus far:

Truce at Bakura - done
Heir to the Empire - done
Dark Force Rising - done
The Last Command - in progress
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 1 - coming up
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 2 - coming up
Jedi Academy Trilogy Vol 3 - coming up
I, Jedi - coming up

After those, I'll probably have to pick everyones brain here to see what the next logical, time-line accurate books would be to read.




Xicer posted:
Your thinking of the Dark Empire comics, and yes they are quite important. They're fairly controversial but still a huge event in the EU that is not to be missed. JAT does in fact reference the series, and I think it's important that you check the comics out.


I defiantly echo Xicer's recommendation of Dark Empire. I would only recommend Dark Empire 1. It comes in a 6 issue graphic novel. It's by far the best story and one of the most consistently refereed to event in the entire EU. The second two are barely mentioned in the novels.

I am a novel person too. I never read comics growing up. I still don't do superhero comics. But after you've vacuumed all you can in the prose department you might want to check out some of the current comic titles. There really has been some brilliant stuff this past 8 years or so. Plenty of controversial things are happening in both the books and the comics. In my opinion the comics have been less controversial than the last novel series, Legacy of the Force.

As far as novels go, after you do finish the JAT and I, Jedi you might like to try Darksaber by Anderson. He's quite a miligned writer for the EU considering how much he has given to it. Darksaber is kind of a JAT sequal. Also, if you like Corran Horn in I, Jedi you might like the X-Wing Series by Michael Stackpole. It's a truly tremendous series about Corran, Wedge and a small group of X-Wing pilots just after ROTJ.




Hmmm.... OK then. Thats two votes for taking a look at the Dark Empire comic. Might just have to do that. Yeah, whats with the Kevin Anmderson bashing? I havent read any of his books yet but there does seem to be some backlash from various reviewers and readers. Is it his style or something else that gets to people? Guess I'll eventually find out and make up my own mind. The X-wing series keeps getting mentioned so maybe those will have to find their way into my queue.

Thanks for the info! happy

 

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Xicer  780 posts
Registered: Aug '08
48419_Imperial Sentinel (51209)
Date Posted: 5/23 4:31am Subject: New to the EU? What to Read? Where to Start? What's That Mean? Your Questions, Answered Here!
KJA's books aren't bad per se, but they're not exactly the most thought-provoking books either. The JAT is a good series but seems a bit childish or 'simple' at times. I think I, Jedi does a much better job of portraying that time period, and it only devotes half the book to the academy. He's definitely one of the pioneers of the EU and as well as novels, gave us the latter half of the Tales of the Jedi comics. But none of books have been anywhere near the level of, say, TTT.

And yes, check out the X-wing series. It's a nice break from the regular characters and there's a lot of good storytelling. Corran Horn, the main character in I, Jedi, is featured prominently in the first four books of that series so they give you some nice background information.

 

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"Just before your arrival, Moneo and I were discussing Infinity."
"Poor Moneo."
--Leto II and Malky, "God Emperor of Dune"
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