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3.69 AVERAGE
3.69 AVERAGE
Here we finally enter the Clone Wars properly and it has always been a great chagrin that it was mentioned originally in A New Hope, and teased so much in the first two movies of the prequel trilogy, but then fail to be covered by real movies. Instead the gaps have had to be filled in by all the other forms of media: TV cartoons, movie cartoon, comic books, graphic novels, video games, magazine short stories, and novels like this one.
Like most of the Clone Wars era novels this book focuses on one main Jedi [Mace Windu] and one minor/support Jedi [Depa Billaba]. Unlike many of the following novels, this one does not focus on Kenobi or Skywalker and that is a welcomed difference. Furthermore, we get a really close look at Mace and get to see his background developed.
I have listened to this novel several times [I think my most recent read my was my 3rd] and every time I have started the novel I have wondered why I didn't enjoy it in the past because it starts out so good. However, very quickly the novel turns too dark and and brooding. The main antagonist takes a long time to develop and is fairly one-dimensional, the other main antagonist are just nature hazards and are not all that engaging. Also, too many Star Wars novels told from this point of view of a Jedi end up focusing on the wrestling between the light and dark sides- this one is no different and ends up making Mace look kind of wishy-washy, instead of his normal bad-ass self.
As I mentioned earlier, I was kind of surprised that this book turned out as bad as it did because it has a pretty solid start. I also seemed to recall that Mace ended up speaking a lot more about his love of the Republic instead of dedication to the Jedi Order or to any individual leader, but it turns out that those memories came from [a:Matthew Woodring Stover|1567394|Matthew Woodring Stover|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/authors/1301265530p2/1567394.jpg]'s next Star Wars novel, [b:Revenge Of The Sith|6033325|Star Wars Revenge Of The Sith|Matthew Woodring Stover|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1383083121s/6033325.jpg|476816]. Having said that this book is a pretty good preview of Stover's writing style and there is the possibility that the abridgement of the audiobook is what did damage to the story line, instead of it being the novel itself, because Stover's writing it nowhere nearly as detailed in this book as his movie novelization. This would not be the first time that a movie adaptation was the better book by an author over their own contribution to the Star Wars Expanded Universe. The end however was abrupt and very dues ex machina.
Like most of the Clone Wars era novels this book focuses on one main Jedi [Mace Windu] and one minor/support Jedi [Depa Billaba]. Unlike many of the following novels, this one does not focus on Kenobi or Skywalker and that is a welcomed difference. Furthermore, we get a really close look at Mace and get to see his background developed.
I have listened to this novel several times [I think my most recent read my was my 3rd] and every time I have started the novel I have wondered why I didn't enjoy it in the past because it starts out so good. However, very quickly the novel turns too dark and and brooding. The main antagonist takes a long time to develop and is fairly one-dimensional, the other main antagonist are just nature hazards and are not all that engaging. Also, too many Star Wars novels told from this point of view of a Jedi end up focusing on the wrestling between the light and dark sides- this one is no different and ends up making Mace look kind of wishy-washy, instead of his normal bad-ass self.
As I mentioned earlier, I was kind of surprised that this book turned out as bad as it did because it has a pretty solid start. I also seemed to recall that Mace ended up speaking a lot more about his love of the Republic instead of dedication to the Jedi Order or to any individual leader, but it turns out that those memories came from [a:Matthew Woodring Stover|1567394|Matthew Woodring Stover|https://d2arxad8u2l0g7.cloudfront.net/authors/1301265530p2/1567394.jpg]'s next Star Wars novel, [b:Revenge Of The Sith|6033325|Star Wars Revenge Of The Sith|Matthew Woodring Stover|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1383083121s/6033325.jpg|476816]. Having said that this book is a pretty good preview of Stover's writing style and there is the possibility that the abridgement of the audiobook is what did damage to the story line, instead of it being the novel itself, because Stover's writing it nowhere nearly as detailed in this book as his movie novelization. This would not be the first time that a movie adaptation was the better book by an author over their own contribution to the Star Wars Expanded Universe. The end however was abrupt and very dues ex machina.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
I wasn't sold by this book in the first few chapters, but I'm glad I kept going because boy was I wrong.
This is a devastating book about war and it's effects wrapped up in a star wars novel. It's almost painful to read at times. Noone wins. Not really. Even when they do.
It's an interesting look into the character of Mace as well. He's not a character I would normally enjoy and truthfully I wouldn't say this book changed much about that, but it didn't go in a way I expected and I appreciate that. I thought we might see legalisic Mace or baddass Mace, but it's something different really.
The narration for the new audio book was also fantastic and really helped with the immersion.
This is a devastating book about war and it's effects wrapped up in a star wars novel. It's almost painful to read at times. Noone wins. Not really. Even when they do.
It's an interesting look into the character of Mace as well. He's not a character I would normally enjoy and truthfully I wouldn't say this book changed much about that, but it didn't go in a way I expected and I appreciate that. I thought we might see legalisic Mace or baddass Mace, but it's something different really.
The narration for the new audio book was also fantastic and really helped with the immersion.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Xenophobia, Suicide attempt, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual assault, Police brutality
Loved this in-depth exploration of Mace Windu. And war is hell.
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Every time Palpatine spoke to the Jedi with that stupid fake sympathy, I wanted to crash out like Regina George. Lots of details about weaponry that I kind of skimmed over but plenty of action and introspective passages (did you know Mace Windu had a diary??) to keep you engaged. Thematically, it reinforces and upholds the Republic as ultimately worthy of defending soooo depending on your political views, the ending will be very affirming or depressingly ironic.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
medium-paced
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
dark
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've been a Star Wars fan since I saw Star Wars in 1977 at eleven. I've been enthralled with the worldbuilding and the characters, every since. As this has never been a linear story, watching or reading these stories out of order...hasn't ever been a problem, but now I'm trying to read (what I have) chronologically, so my brain doesn't have to do the mental gymnastics to follow the story...anymore.
When the Prequels came out, I was not a fan. Not because it wasn't MY Star Wars, but because certain things didn't add up (in my mind) in the story...for me to connect with it. But as the years have passed, I have grown to enjoy them more and more (though they still are not my favourite portion...I have grown frond of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and obviously, Anakin Skywalker. Thier interactions and lived experiences are intriguin to me. In fact, watching The Clone Wars animated TV series...is the biggest reason. The day to day stories and these characters put in sticky situations...while expanding the galaxy...that we should've gotten more of in the movies, made the story make more sense.
The character of Mace Windu (portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, who's a cool dude and a bad em-effer) wasn't a favourite, since he always was a counter-balance to Yoda (who everyone loves). His Jedi logic didn't feel right to me, since he was against Anakin becoming a Jedi (I know Yoda was also against it), but it seemed like Mace Windu was at the forefront in this decision.
In the previous Clone Wars novels (and novellas), Master Jedi Mace Windu shows up to admonish Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker on how they are not "doing it right" (in his opinion). And I felt that he was self-righteous, and didn't seem to make his own mistakes, so held everyone to unbelievable standards.
Most everyone that I know that has read the Legends Star Wars novels, has raved about reading Shatterpoint (in this Clone Wars arc), and how it changed their minds about Mace Windu. I was skeptical.
I now have to agree with them. Getting to know him, where he was from and how he sees himself (being surrounded by his home planet and the people of his family and culture), but to see that his Jedi teachings and standards...are what keep him from desiring another life, and affirming that this life that he lives is the right one (for him, for his home planet, and for the galaxy as a whole).
Though he's closed off in the movies, TV episodes, and in most of the books...in this story, we get as close to who Mace Windu as can be (POV) and why he is...and I am now a fan of him, that's for sure.
This was a great story, and I'm glad to have read it.
When the Prequels came out, I was not a fan. Not because it wasn't MY Star Wars, but because certain things didn't add up (in my mind) in the story...for me to connect with it. But as the years have passed, I have grown to enjoy them more and more (though they still are not my favourite portion...I have grown frond of Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and obviously, Anakin Skywalker. Thier interactions and lived experiences are intriguin to me. In fact, watching The Clone Wars animated TV series...is the biggest reason. The day to day stories and these characters put in sticky situations...while expanding the galaxy...that we should've gotten more of in the movies, made the story make more sense.
The character of Mace Windu (portrayed by Samuel L. Jackson, who's a cool dude and a bad em-effer) wasn't a favourite, since he always was a counter-balance to Yoda (who everyone loves). His Jedi logic didn't feel right to me, since he was against Anakin becoming a Jedi (I know Yoda was also against it), but it seemed like Mace Windu was at the forefront in this decision.
In the previous Clone Wars novels (and novellas), Master Jedi Mace Windu shows up to admonish Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker on how they are not "doing it right" (in his opinion). And I felt that he was self-righteous, and didn't seem to make his own mistakes, so held everyone to unbelievable standards.
Most everyone that I know that has read the Legends Star Wars novels, has raved about reading Shatterpoint (in this Clone Wars arc), and how it changed their minds about Mace Windu. I was skeptical.
I now have to agree with them. Getting to know him, where he was from and how he sees himself (being surrounded by his home planet and the people of his family and culture), but to see that his Jedi teachings and standards...are what keep him from desiring another life, and affirming that this life that he lives is the right one (for him, for his home planet, and for the galaxy as a whole).
Though he's closed off in the movies, TV episodes, and in most of the books...in this story, we get as close to who Mace Windu as can be (POV) and why he is...and I am now a fan of him, that's for sure.
This was a great story, and I'm glad to have read it.
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Turned Windu into an angry, violent man which perpetuates the black man stereotype. Also views colonization on a positive note. Can't write a well-written woman character to save his life. This novel would have been much better if it was written by a POC or, more specifically, a black man.