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chanelearl's review against another edition
5.0
This book was exciting. I liked how so many things worked out just like I wanted them to, but I couldn't always predict what was going to happen.
founddrama's review against another edition
3.0
Same review for all three: I grew up on Lucas' film trilogy; it took on a certain mythological quality. Say what you will about Lucas: I won't apologize for this enjoyment. When the first horn blasts of that John Williams score strike, I wear that nerdy shame with all of its lightsaber-wielding pride.
And Zahn pulls off a follow-up trilogy just well enough to pass. We get some closure on the whole Han/Leia thing, we see how well the fledgling Republic fares, watch Luke struggle through his on-going mentor-less apprenticeship. It moves along at a fair-enough pace, pays respect to the "classic" characters while introducing some well-executed new ones, and honors canon well enough that it won't raise the hackles of the rabid fan.
High literature, it is not. A decent enough lightweight read for an unashamed Star Wars fan, it is.
And Zahn pulls off a follow-up trilogy just well enough to pass. We get some closure on the whole Han/Leia thing, we see how well the fledgling Republic fares, watch Luke struggle through his on-going mentor-less apprenticeship. It moves along at a fair-enough pace, pays respect to the "classic" characters while introducing some well-executed new ones, and honors canon well enough that it won't raise the hackles of the rabid fan.
High literature, it is not. A decent enough lightweight read for an unashamed Star Wars fan, it is.
ezalos's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.25
msfilas's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
sl6677's review against another edition
4.0
I am being lazy and am writing this review for all three books in the trilogy. It is also a very short review.
In my obviously biased opinion:
1. Zahn has created the most compelling Star Wars 'villain' since the original Darth Vader in Grand Admiral Thrawn. This includes every other Vader clone, Mary Sue-type troperific Big Bad, and most of all Boba Fett and any evil character from the unfortunate lesser six films.
The man studies a culture's artwork and through this insight figures out how to beat them in battle. Or, he does it as a ruse to confound enemy spies about his true military and tactical genius. Clever bastard.
2. The Expanded Universe could have stopped with these novels and we might all be better for it. Though I suppose the X-wing series can be given a pass.
3. The trilogy possesses the epic scope of the first three films while still delving into unknown areas in the SW Universe, and set the bar extraordinarily high for every EU author since. Even Zahn's other novels in the series just cannot compare.
4. The Noghri are one of the most interesting alien species in the entire SW Universe and are criminally underused. Their story is reminiscent of dozens of cultures throughout Earth's bloody history; a people deceived into enslaving themselves to those who caused a catastrophic diaspora in their past. The Empire did not merely subjugate these people, they systemically and secretly poisoned the environment to ensure their loyalty for the promise of renewal through technology. In the SW films the Empire was always presented as so powerful as to not need such tactics. I think Zahn presented a much more realistic kind of tyranny.
As a kid I devoured this trilogy at least once a year all through middle and high school. It's just pure entertainment and Zahn, much like Lucas before he turned shill, clearly studies at the Joseph Campbell school of heroic sagas.
In my obviously biased opinion:
1. Zahn has created the most compelling Star Wars 'villain' since the original Darth Vader in Grand Admiral Thrawn. This includes every other Vader clone, Mary Sue-type troperific Big Bad, and most of all Boba Fett and any evil character from the unfortunate lesser six films.
The man studies a culture's artwork and through this insight figures out how to beat them in battle. Or, he does it as a ruse to confound enemy spies about his true military and tactical genius. Clever bastard.
2. The Expanded Universe could have stopped with these novels and we might all be better for it. Though I suppose the X-wing series can be given a pass.
3. The trilogy possesses the epic scope of the first three films while still delving into unknown areas in the SW Universe, and set the bar extraordinarily high for every EU author since. Even Zahn's other novels in the series just cannot compare.
4. The Noghri are one of the most interesting alien species in the entire SW Universe and are criminally underused. Their story is reminiscent of dozens of cultures throughout Earth's bloody history; a people deceived into enslaving themselves to those who caused a catastrophic diaspora in their past. The Empire did not merely subjugate these people, they systemically and secretly poisoned the environment to ensure their loyalty for the promise of renewal through technology. In the SW films the Empire was always presented as so powerful as to not need such tactics. I think Zahn presented a much more realistic kind of tyranny.
As a kid I devoured this trilogy at least once a year all through middle and high school. It's just pure entertainment and Zahn, much like Lucas before he turned shill, clearly studies at the Joseph Campbell school of heroic sagas.
helena_g_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
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
5.0
⭐️: 5
This book was a wild ride. I have a soft spot for Star Wars books, but wow this one really knocked it out of the park for me! The development for one particular character was refreshing to see in this book. There were lots of twists and reveals that were so satisfying to see come to fruition. It's really hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers but it boils down to, READ IT. I know you might think eh, maybe this isn't for me, but I can tell you that it probably is. Give this series a shot if you would like some sci fi in your life in the backdrop of the Star Wars Universe.
Characters: 10
I loved em all. The villains being villainous, the heroes being heroic. Great time, with new and old favorites.
This book was a wild ride. I have a soft spot for Star Wars books, but wow this one really knocked it out of the park for me! The development for one particular character was refreshing to see in this book. There were lots of twists and reveals that were so satisfying to see come to fruition. It's really hard to talk about this book without giving away spoilers but it boils down to, READ IT. I know you might think eh, maybe this isn't for me, but I can tell you that it probably is. Give this series a shot if you would like some sci fi in your life in the backdrop of the Star Wars Universe.
Characters: 10
I loved em all. The villains being villainous, the heroes being heroic. Great time, with new and old favorites.
Atmosphere/setting: 10
It's Star Wars, the setting vary wildly from one planet to the next. Atmosphere is easily discernible for each of the distinct POVs
It's Star Wars, the setting vary wildly from one planet to the next. Atmosphere is easily discernible for each of the distinct POVs
Writing style: 10
Easy to read and enjoyable. Each POV has a unique voice that is easily distinguishable from the others.
Easy to read and enjoyable. Each POV has a unique voice that is easily distinguishable from the others.
Plot: 10
This book provides a satisfying conclusion to the Thrown trilogy.
This book provides a satisfying conclusion to the Thrown trilogy.
Intrigue: 10
Logic: 9
Relationships: 10
Entertainment: 10
Total: 4.93
bewilderingbear's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
hrdboildwndrlnd's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0