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Author	Topic: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
Havac Title: Lit Mod of War Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 4/18 3:45pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Average score: 423.15/54 = 7.84 -----signature----- "Is there a captain's hat involved in this?"
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JediMatteus Registered: Sep '08	Date Posted: 4/18 9:37pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	i already gave this book a 8.5 out of 10. but I think she should be kept to a background character only. no way. we desperately need new and interesting faces, and allana will someday be powerful. we just need her written better. she was fine in lotf and MF -----signature----- "Every generation has its challenges to face, its own battles to win. Why should yours be any different? Running away from your responsibilities won't solve anything." -Luke Skywalker
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El-Elyon Registered: Feb '02	Date Posted: 4/26 7:54am Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Well I thought it was drawn out, esp the luke/ben plot. was there a point there? and Ben doesn't seem to have been greatly affected by the LotF plot either. Finally the kessel plot seems to have been made because the authors didn't seem to have anything for han and leia to do. I give it a 6/10 -----signature----- "Close the blast doors"...[PAUSE]..."Open the blast doors, open the blast doors!" Stormtroopers, Clonetroopers, not as good as having a blaster at your side>>>
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Havac Title: Lit Mod of War Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 4/26 2:55pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Average score: 429.15/55 = 7.80 -----signature----- "Is there a captain's hat involved in this?"
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Xicer Registered: Aug '08	Date Posted: 4/26 7:25pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	I actually enjoyed this book quite a bit. Both of the Luke/Ben and Darkmeld storylines were fun and engaging and left me wanting more. The Kessel storyline was a bit weak and I was really hoping for it to have more of a connection to the other storylines, but it wasn't bad. Though I wish Maarek Stele had a slightly bigger role than just a random name drop. I actually enjoyed reading about Jaina and gasp Jag as well. I didn't think I would like Tahiri after LOTF, but I enjoyed reading about her as well and the exchange with Dab was interesting. Overall I think this was a strong start to what looks to be a great series. I only wish it were longer. 8/10 -----signature----- "Just before your arrival, Moneo and I were discussing Infinity." "Poor Moneo." --Leto II and Malky, "God Emperor of Dune"
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Havac Title: Lit Mod of War Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 4/26 11:05pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Average score: 437.15/56 = 7.81 -----signature----- "Is there a captain's hat involved in this?"
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JediMatteus Registered: Sep '08	Date Posted: 4/27 7:20pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	6. I was totally disappointed by the Baran Do storyline. I was hoping for some interesting insights into their unique Force philosophy, which might have explained some of Jacen's later viewpoints. Instead, all Luke learned was how Jacen could block a brain scan and that the Baran Do Sages are insane. I can't believe it took Luke an entire book to figure that out. Jacen journeyed for five years - I don't know how Luke plans to piece together Jacen's travels because even ten years doesn't look to be enough. this is the best part of the book for me they are not going to give you the rosetta stone the first time out that said if this is all we get throughought the series it will be dissapointing. but all the sith in the universe will be coming after luke in abyss, so that will be fun. -----signature----- "Every generation has its challenges to face, its own battles to win. Why should yours be any different? Running away from your responsibilities won't solve anything." -Luke Skywalker
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Corusca_One Registered: Oct '05	Date Posted: 5/15 7:32am Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	There hasn't been an Allston book I havn't enjoyed as of yet, and Outcast does nothing to change that. I found it to be a great starting point for a new series, with some great links to what has gone before. He captures the characters voices exceptionally well, with their actions proving believable and entertaining to read. There are also numerous nods to underused characters, or cameos for some who had all but disappeared in recent EU history. In many ways this book could seem less 'epic' than the start to LotF, DN or the NJO. However I found this to be an engaging and interesting story, one that could lend itself much better to the 9 book series style that FotJ is recycling from LotF. Highlights for me included: Ben, so much his mother's son. Luke, I'm not a big fan of Luke Skywalker but I loved the way Allston wrote him in this book; between this and Shadows of Mindor we've had some great Luke written recently. Jaina and Jag, I found their relationship handled maturely and used to entertaining effect; after all the kerfuffle leading upto it I find it works well. There was plenty of other strong points as well, from the portrayal of Allana to the very concept of 'tracing Jacen's steps'. My one major negative point would be the lack of Corran Horn in a book that does such a good job of including the other Masters and Knights in the Order. While Outcast showed that there is actually a large cast of interesting characters to draw upon in this era, too large to fit in one book, I would have thought of all the authors to utilize Corran it would have been Allston. I'll give this one a 9/10. I hope this series keeps up this level of quality and paces itself appropriately. -----signature----- What would Gryph do? Zayne Carrick is Zayne Carrick! "I don't want to hear any Pessimistic Panakas and their prophecies of continuity gloom and doom..." -Barriss_Coffee Bouncy, bouncy oh such a good time!
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DarthStymi Registered: Jan '02	Date Posted: 5/24 9:25am Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	I was sucked in and left looking forward to the next book. And I like it when Force philosophy in general in explored. Luke's banishment is an interesting twist. Intrigued about what is making the Jedi go crazy. Hope that doesn't turn into a cheap trick. Like the direction they went with Tahiri. And I continue to really dig Jaina's role...and they just jumped in on the romance with Jag. They are awfully happy with each other, it seems. I predict a fallout between them. Clearly sowing the seeds for the Imperial Knights. I wonder how far they'll take that in this series? 9/10 -----signature----- "...the first condition of the hero's journey is recociliation with the grave."-Joseph Campbell Mando'ad draar digu.
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NJOfan215 Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 5/24 4:54pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Ok it's a bit of a cheat, but i got the audiobook from the library. I have a long ride. I was happy with it. It's nothing amazing but a solid and interesting series opener. Lando was also in it, which is good. 8 -----signature----- This council has zero tolerance for any sexual deviancy regarding our Jedi Knights.
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Lord_Vivec Registered: Apr '06	Date Posted: 5/24 5:01pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Well, this has certainly been way better than most of LOTF, in my personal opinion. I'm going to go with the standard review format. The Good: 1) Luke and Ben plot. This was certainly the highlight of the novel. There was a mystery that needed solving, and they were the ones who had to solve it. It was well written, creative, and The Hidden One was a good visualization of how people can get things so wrong. 2) Jaina and team plot. This was certainly the action part of the novel. It was well written and the capture of Seff was well executed. 3) Allana and the Moon Monster. Creepy, a good forshadowing of what may be to come, and definitely a good part of the story. The Bad: 1) Kenth Hamner. Now I don't hate Kenth Hamner, but I don't think he's a good choice for interim grand master. I know Kyp and Corran have too much baggage right now for being the leader, but I think Cilghal or Kyle would have been better choices. Not so sure: 1) I didn't really like the Solo plot. It felt as an unnecessary diversion to keep Han and Leia away from the main action. I was expecting something bigger than just groundquakes from a secret lab. But maybe I speak too soon. We'll see if it is bigger than I thought. Score: Overall, I think this was a great book. Better than LOTF (save Inferno) and definitely in the right direction. So I give it a 9.5. -----signature----- "Those of us who don't believe in science are being attacked by forces we don't understand...like momentum, acceleration, and gravity." Gavin Newsom for CA Gov '10! Property of JEDI_TEEGIRLOO Currently the most attractive guy in the EUC
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fanboyskywalker Registered: Apr '08	Date Posted: 5/24 7:54pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	What a letdown! Starts off awesome. Great concept - Jedi going nuts, Luke arrest, Jag coming to Coruscant and meeting up with Jaina. Everyone working to catch Valin (who I really like, save the whole lame lack of telekinisis thing that he, unfortunately, inherited from his father). So for the first 1/3 it was a real page turner... and then Luke and Ben going off and Han and Leia go to Kessel and the book literally stops. The Han/Leia thing was soooo boring. Even a few pithy lines from Han couldn't save this plot. I found myself struggling toc are and so what, ultimaelty, if Han overcomes his fears of energy spiders? What is he, 12 years old? It felt like 100 pages of Han and Leia searching the caverns, and it could have easily been cut down to 50 before they decide to bomb the caverns on their own terms -- rather than let Kessel do it itself via groundquakes. And then of course Wedge has to come in. God, please, just leave him alone. He does nothing for the plot anymore. I'd rather see his daughter Syal if we have to read about an Antilles -- she was interesting in LOTF. I use to think I wanted more Lando, but if this is what they are going to do with him, forget it. Let him retire. I will say I'm glad he has a son -- Chance is a cool SW name -- but didn't LOTF tell us it was a girl? I'm pretty sure it did. All in all, this plot wasn't even strong enough for it's own book, let alone be put into the first book of an "epic" new series. Okay, onto the Luke/Ben pairing. We had the Han/Leia investigation on Kessel and we have the Luke and Ben investigation on Dorin. These dual plots did not compliment each other at all -- both were slow acts of gathering information. Much like Empire, where Luke was training with Yoda, we should have had a plot with Han and Leia that was much faster and exciting. The Dorin stuff took a long time to get through until they went underground to the hidden bunker or whatever (guess that's where Luke and Ben get the idea for the hidden temple in Legacy). I didn't think they learned enough about Jacen and, frankly, I'm afraid we will have to sit through another handful of books with Luke and Ben investigating. Unless they up the stakes -- beyond Luke and Ben getting stuck underground like in this book -- which I seriously doubt anyone thought was actually going to happen -- I'm going start skimming the chapters. I'm so glad I got this book at the library. I did, however, like Luke being away from the order and I'm super excited to see how they fare without him. Kenth is a little boring as a character, but it was nice to see Corran brought down a peg or two with his son going insane. When Seff, another crazy Jedi, shows up the action finally starts to pick up again. But Seff didn't act like he did in Millenium Falcon, and so I'm confused about the details of the Jedi insanity. Does it effect stronger Jedi slower. It seems Valin (and Jysella in the Omen preview) get it really quick - like one second they are fine, they next they are totally nuts. Jag and Jaina together trying to stop Seff were okay. But I really, really liked Tahiri and Jag. They have a nice chemisty and a good antagonist relationship that I feel like could slowly start to melt. And Tahiri seems like a better candidate to start up Jag's rival Jedi school - the Imperial Knights -- than Jaina. Reading this book with her as the last of the three Solo kids and also as the Sword of the Jedi, I feel like she is meant for something more. If not Zekk, I'm not even sure she should be with anyone the way she is maturing into her role. However, I don't feel like Allston does a great job with her character. I would love to see someone come and do a great Jaina story like Keyes did with Anakin Solo that made everyone fall in love with that character. Denning did pretty good in Invincible, but the plot of that story (or lack of) overshadowed her so hopefully we get some good Denning Jaina in Abyss (book three of this series). A couple brief things that bugged me. The lack of Daala. The book needed her to up the tension. While I loved the Jedi companions or whatever they were called is a really cool idea. And I would love to see the Jedi trying to complete their missions while making sure these companions don't get hurt -- makes their job that much harder, but did we really need Dab to come back? I understand maybe to help Tahiri overcome Anakin's loss -- but my god she overcame that in NJO, they bring it back in LOTF, and now this? Aren't there other ways for her to deal with it? I mean, Dab??? Really?? It annoyed me to no end. Like a slap in the face, we killed Anakin, won't give him back -- but you rub it in my face with this look-a-like?? And we have to watch Jaina be mean to Dab because he looks like her brother. Weak!! Another thing: r2-d2 and c-3po were in the book and little more than they've been in other books, but Allston clearly doesn't know what to do with them or care. They just have Han insulting 3P0 all day (which is fine), but there were some chances for 3po and r2 to help out in a substantial way during the Kessel mission, especially with all the computer stuff happening or to get rid of the energy spider. I would much rather had them help out then Wedge come in at the end. And who cares about him flying an ETA-5. I also can't stand all these references to holovids and holostars and fame. It just seems so un-SW like to me. And always takes me out of the plot. But that's just a personal thing because we never got any of that kind of stuff from the movies (thank God). Oh well, here's hoping Christie Golden ups the ante. 3.5 stars. Because this book had some real potential and just fell a little short. -----signature----- Obama '08 Vergere is NOT a Sith. Krayt and Lumiya are lying.
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Havac Title: Lit Mod of War Registered: Sep '05	Date Posted: 5/24 9:16pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Average score: 478.65/61 = 7.85 -----signature----- "Is there a captain's hat involved in this?"
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YodaKenobi Title: TFN EU Staff Registered: May '03	Date Posted: 6/24 4:56pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Here's my belated TFN Staff Review. 2/4 works out to 5/10 (The math on that one was a nightmare). -----signature----- Supersonic gone and took my soul The Lands of the Dead: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28522077/p1 Blood Trail: http://boards.theforce.net/beyond_the_saga/b10477/28636429/p1 "They weren't very bright, even for Imperials."— Emala
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Jeff_Ferguson Registered: May '06	Date Posted: 6/24 5:39pm Subject: The JC Lit Reviews Special: FATE OF THE JEDI: OUTCAST (Spoilers)
	Now that's a review I agree with. Seriously. Check out my initial semi-review here; I completely agree that the Kessel subplot was pointless and not exciting, the Baran Do plot didn't accomplish anything and didn't have enough of a Jacen-related conclusion, while everything that took place on Coruscant was great stuff. And the scene where Luke thinks of Daala as honorable made me so frustrated I had to put the book down and go do something else. I didn't think it was 5/10 bad, though. Allston's writing was still good. I gave it a 6.8. Which is actually lower than what I gave Revelation. -----signature----- "We are Imperial Knights. We do our duty by the Emperor and by the Force—no matter the cost." --- Sigel Dare "In the name of the true Emperor, Roan Fel, we come bearing greetings to our Jedi cousins." --- Marasiah Fel
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