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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
Fun stories of where they were before they were stars, which in some small ways helps to clear things up in The Force Awakens
A fun short read that takes place shortly before the events of Force Awakens and we get a deeper look at Finn, Rey, and Poe. Definitely worth reading.
Are there spoilers in this? Probably not but you can't be too careful with nerds and their Star Wars fanaticism.
A quick little read offering some background on the three main characters in Episode VII. We learn about Finn's storm trooper training and his sense of empathy. We learn how Poe joined the resistance. And we get to see Rey's life on Jakku.
Rey's storing is probably the most frustrating because it doesn't shed much light on the big question(s) the movie posed. Although we do find out how she learned to fly.
It was very well written and the stories were engaging. I've already leant it to some Star Wars nuts.
A quick little read offering some background on the three main characters in Episode VII. We learn about Finn's storm trooper training and his sense of empathy. We learn how Poe joined the resistance. And we get to see Rey's life on Jakku.
Rey's storing is probably the most frustrating because it doesn't shed much light on the big question(s) the movie posed. Although we do find out how she learned to fly.
It was very well written and the stories were engaging. I've already leant it to some Star Wars nuts.
The whole point of this book is to provide context to the Force Awakens - I.e why/how everyone is on Jakku in the first place. It’s well-written and engaging, geared at the “young adult” readers. Frankly, I enjoy the young adult genre because there’s no need to fluff it with unnecessary intellect. Definitely entertaining and worth reading if you like the direction of the Disney cannon or want more context of the movies.
Three stars is too little and four a little bit too much, but my fondness for the characters drove it up to four.
Fun, gripping and well written, I'd love to not only read more by Greg Rucka, I want to find the other great Star Wars novels out there. The battles between space ships, between stormtroopers, between desperate aliens out in the desert were interesting and clear to witness.
Finn & Rey's stories gave great insight into their characters, but unlike Poe's they could not delve much into their history.
Finn's story was shorter by a few pages, but gave a neat view of the mechanisms of the First Order, how they controlled their citizens, or rather, controlled their stormtroopers. More than anything, this established Finn's loyalty to the people he fought beside, and how he struggled determining right from wrong long before the movie.
Rey's story was surprising in that we were set up for betrayal, but I was surprised at how she was betrayed. Instead of feeling frustrated for her loss or at her for not seizing an opportunity, I felt the weight of her situation: being stuck, waiting. And I really sympathised. Something that was felt briefly in the movie was expanded upon here.
Poe's story is the highlight of this volume. If you wanted more of the dashing pilot who stole our hearts, you will not be disappointed. Coming in as the longest (again, by a few pages) of these three, we are told about Poe's family, his history and his introduction to the Rebellion. We get a glimpse of the Republic as it exists in The Force Awakens (something we don't see much of in the movie) and get the emotional context of Poe's brief introduction and capture in the movie. When Finn inadvertently rescues Poe, it appears to us as the start of a beautiful friendship in the movie. With Poe's story, we get the real sucker punch in retrospect: Poe wasn't expecting to ever be rescued.
That's what made me pick up the volume, and maybe you'll do the same now, too.
Finn & Rey's stories gave great insight into their characters, but unlike Poe's they could not delve much into their history.
Finn's story was shorter by a few pages, but gave a neat view of the mechanisms of the First Order, how they controlled their citizens, or rather, controlled their stormtroopers. More than anything, this established Finn's loyalty to the people he fought beside, and how he struggled determining right from wrong long before the movie.
Rey's story was surprising in that we were set up for betrayal, but I was surprised at how she was betrayed. Instead of feeling frustrated for her loss or at her for not seizing an opportunity, I felt the weight of her situation: being stuck, waiting. And I really sympathised. Something that was felt briefly in the movie was expanded upon here.
Poe's story is the highlight of this volume. If you wanted more of the dashing pilot who stole our hearts, you will not be disappointed. Coming in as the longest (again, by a few pages) of these three, we are told about Poe's family, his history and his introduction to the Rebellion. We get a glimpse of the Republic as it exists in The Force Awakens (something we don't see much of in the movie) and get the emotional context of Poe's brief introduction and capture in the movie. When Finn inadvertently rescues Poe, it appears to us as the start of a beautiful friendship in the movie. With Poe's story, we get the real sucker punch in retrospect: Poe wasn't expecting to ever be rescued.
That's what made me pick up the volume, and maybe you'll do the same now, too.
This collection of middle grade short stories are, in essence, prequels to the movie, The Force Awakens. Each story follows three of the main characters from the movie, Poe, Rey, and FN-2187. Overall, I thought the book was well written. I believe there were only one or two minor grammar issues (and one that probably wouldn't have mattered to most people but the wording seemed weird to me). The stories were told plainly and weren't too complicated for the anticipated audience. I do like that I was able to understand some things that the movie omitted - it definitely makes me feel better and have a well-rounded view of the franchise!
FN-2187 - "Finn's" story starts first, though at this time he is only referred to as FN-2187, since he has not met Poe Dameron, who eventually gives him the nickname Finn. Finn's story was the shortest, and in my opinion, the least entertaining. I was still happy to understand where Poe was coming from - being bred to be a soldier for the First Order. However, I do believe that most people (at least the older crowd reading this) would probably surmise from the movie alone. What I did like about this story is that you get a better sense of the "outsider" and alone feelings Poe had prior to The Force Awakens. This story I gave a 3/5 stars!
Rey - I enjoyed Rey's story. It dove into Rey's mentality more - especially the "I can't leave here in case my parents come back" mentality. It also shows us how Rey knows how to pilot, how she is so handy and informed, and how lonely she is. It kind of broke my heart and makes me happy that she left Jakku in The Force Awakens! I found this story a bit more interesting and more informing than Finn's, so I would give it 4/5 stars!
Poe - Poe's story was by far the most captivating! It had action and adventure and we got to see behind the eyes of a pilot in Star Wars! We got a sense of danger, fun, and a whole lot of bad-assery! I also loved being able to get a better sense of Poe's personality - that "do-good" and "have fun" attitude, while still being cautious and caring towards his team (and kind of the galaxy in general). I also LOVED the parts about his parents - but if you've read any of my other reviews, you know I'm a sucker for backstory! Overall, this story was 5/5 stars!
When you look at my star ratings for the individual stories, you know that overall, I would give this book 4/5 stars - which I feel is definitely fair! Definitely a great book for kids, and of course a good read for any Star Wars fan!
FN-2187 - "Finn's" story starts first, though at this time he is only referred to as FN-2187, since he has not met Poe Dameron, who eventually gives him the nickname Finn. Finn's story was the shortest, and in my opinion, the least entertaining. I was still happy to understand where Poe was coming from - being bred to be a soldier for the First Order. However, I do believe that most people (at least the older crowd reading this) would probably surmise from the movie alone. What I did like about this story is that you get a better sense of the "outsider" and alone feelings Poe had prior to The Force Awakens. This story I gave a 3/5 stars!
Rey - I enjoyed Rey's story. It dove into Rey's mentality more - especially the "I can't leave here in case my parents come back" mentality. It also shows us how Rey knows how to pilot, how she is so handy and informed, and how lonely she is. It kind of broke my heart and makes me happy that she left Jakku in The Force Awakens! I found this story a bit more interesting and more informing than Finn's, so I would give it 4/5 stars!
Poe - Poe's story was by far the most captivating! It had action and adventure and we got to see behind the eyes of a pilot in Star Wars! We got a sense of danger, fun, and a whole lot of bad-assery! I also loved being able to get a better sense of Poe's personality - that "do-good" and "have fun" attitude, while still being cautious and caring towards his team (and kind of the galaxy in general). I also LOVED the parts about his parents - but if you've read any of my other reviews, you know I'm a sucker for backstory! Overall, this story was 5/5 stars!
When you look at my star ratings for the individual stories, you know that overall, I would give this book 4/5 stars - which I feel is definitely fair! Definitely a great book for kids, and of course a good read for any Star Wars fan!
Such a cute thing! We follow Poe, Rey and Finn right before the film starts, and although Rey will always be my favourite every story was endearing in itself and seeing Leia through Poe's narrative was such a kick.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
This was such a fun little book that gives more background of our three protagonists! Rey's story was probably my favorite, even though it was heartbreaking. I totally recommend this if you can get enough of Finn, Rey, and Poe!