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3.64 AVERAGE
3.64 AVERAGE
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The events of this book take place immediately before The Phantom Menace, and our trilogy of dark and ominous prequels that depict the tragic downfall of the Old Republic, so it’s not too surprising to see another foreboding book where evil wins out and good is thwarted. Of course, nothing truly disastrous and appalling can happen yet, as the Sith are waiting on the right moment in Sidious’ plan to reveal themselves, but as far as there can be, a dark foreboding hangs over the whole novel. It is another example of the kind of Star Wars book that starts with a number of disparate individual characters and ends up having them all run into each other and play out events as a group – Maul, Darsha, Lorn and I-Five. Unlike this book’s prequel, Cloak of Deception, Darth Maul: Shadow Hunter is looser in what it is trying to be, even though we already know the conclusion must be that . Essentially however, it is a hunt and chase story.
The writing is competent, but the problem is that it is not outstanding. One of the main problems is that the restrictions of what must follow really hampers the scope of this book. All the characters that appear next must survive, and the Sith’s plans cannot be revealed. This limits how much drama can actually occur, and forces the author to use entirely new characters to kill off simply to inject some drama. Reaves does his best to make our characters, Lorn, I-Five and Darsha, sympathetic so the readers care about their fate. He does a good job with what he has, but it is a difficult ask. If there was more page space to explore the past and personalities of the characters, it would create more sympathy. I really would have liked to know a lot more about Darsha and Lorn as people, and how Lorn and I-Five’s partnership came about. It’s also difficult for the reader to connect deeply with the new characters, no matter how Reaves creates sympathy for them, knowing the outcome as we do. There are some moments of comedy, although they are dry witticisms rather than laugh-out-loud hilarity – the banter between Lorn and I-Five for example, and an amusing scene where Maul takes on the Coruscant police forces.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is the only real returning character here, not counting extremely brief cameos by Qui-Gon Jinn and Jedi Council members. I kind of got the feeling that his appearance served only as a familiar touchstone for readers – any other Jedi could have quite easily been assigned to the task he is given, which is to investigate the disappearance of Darsha and Anoon Bondara. The fact that he has a bit of a mutual attraction with Darsha feels entirely forced, inserted to make her more important, with a connection to an established character. One useful purpose Obi-Wan did serve was to provide a contrast to Darsha. As a Padawan, he comes across as a lot more confident, street-wise and overall more skilled than her. The book, as the title suggests, features Darth Maul heavily. I liked the exploration of his origins, his past, how he trained under Sidious as a Sith apprentice to get to the point he is at in the book, but there just isn’t enough of it, it’s really just a taster. We learn that he’s taken as a child by Sidious to be his apprentice, taught to obey without question, perform to perfection, and embrace pain as a punishment. Despite the glimpse into his past, Maul is a closed book. He thinks only of his immediate mission and the wider goal of the destruction of the Jedi Order. We don’t learn much about him as a person, his personality, his aspirations. You kind of get the sense that all of that has just been completely scrubbed out of him by Sidious. I almost began to wonder if Sidious never intended to make Maul his successor. Maul is an astounding warrior, truly, his battle prowess and skill in combat is almost faultless... but he obeys Sidious unquestioningly, he never plots against him to bring him down, he has no ambition or notions of betrayal in him, unlike other Sith. I almost wonder if Sidious intended to use Maul as his perfect warrior during this phase of the plan, then get rid of him and replace him.
5 out of 10.
Spoiler
the information about the blockade is stifled and the Sith escape undetectedThe writing is competent, but the problem is that it is not outstanding. One of the main problems is that the restrictions of what must follow really hampers the scope of this book. All the characters that appear next must survive, and the Sith’s plans cannot be revealed. This limits how much drama can actually occur, and forces the author to use entirely new characters to kill off simply to inject some drama. Reaves does his best to make our characters, Lorn, I-Five and Darsha, sympathetic so the readers care about their fate. He does a good job with what he has, but it is a difficult ask. If there was more page space to explore the past and personalities of the characters, it would create more sympathy. I really would have liked to know a lot more about Darsha and Lorn as people, and how Lorn and I-Five’s partnership came about. It’s also difficult for the reader to connect deeply with the new characters, no matter how Reaves creates sympathy for them, knowing the outcome as we do. There are some moments of comedy, although they are dry witticisms rather than laugh-out-loud hilarity – the banter between Lorn and I-Five for example, and an amusing scene where Maul takes on the Coruscant police forces.
Obi-Wan Kenobi is the only real returning character here, not counting extremely brief cameos by Qui-Gon Jinn and Jedi Council members. I kind of got the feeling that his appearance served only as a familiar touchstone for readers – any other Jedi could have quite easily been assigned to the task he is given, which is to investigate the disappearance of Darsha and Anoon Bondara. The fact that he has a bit of a mutual attraction with Darsha feels entirely forced, inserted to make her more important, with a connection to an established character. One useful purpose Obi-Wan did serve was to provide a contrast to Darsha. As a Padawan, he comes across as a lot more confident, street-wise and overall more skilled than her. The book, as the title suggests, features Darth Maul heavily. I liked the exploration of his origins, his past, how he trained under Sidious as a Sith apprentice to get to the point he is at in the book, but there just isn’t enough of it, it’s really just a taster. We learn that he’s taken as a child by Sidious to be his apprentice, taught to obey without question, perform to perfection, and embrace pain as a punishment. Despite the glimpse into his past, Maul is a closed book. He thinks only of his immediate mission and the wider goal of the destruction of the Jedi Order. We don’t learn much about him as a person, his personality, his aspirations. You kind of get the sense that all of that has just been completely scrubbed out of him by Sidious. I almost began to wonder if Sidious never intended to make Maul his successor. Maul is an astounding warrior, truly, his battle prowess and skill in combat is almost faultless... but he obeys Sidious unquestioningly, he never plots against him to bring him down, he has no ambition or notions of betrayal in him, unlike other Sith. I almost wonder if Sidious intended to use Maul as his perfect warrior during this phase of the plan, then get rid of him and replace him.
5 out of 10.
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
The audiobook version of this is read by Sam Witwer and he does a phenomenal job. I’d listen to that man read the phone book.
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A fun romp through the star wars universe. Not my favourite star wars book though, with some interesting character choices and the whiff of a shoehorned in romance plot. Obi Wan describes a female jedi as something along the lines of "not bad to look at" which I found weird too... overall an alright book but not one I'll think about again I imagine!
Bought this randomly at a second hand bookshop, so I didn't know what to expect. I was hoping for at least some background information on Darth Maul, but that didn't happen. Unfortunately.
It's basically setting up Phantom Menace and you'll probs like it if you're into Star Wars. There are some cool creatures and lore in it, as well as a cameo from our very own Obi Wan. Otherwise it felt a bit flat, especially considering the characterisation.
It's basically setting up Phantom Menace and you'll probs like it if you're into Star Wars. There are some cool creatures and lore in it, as well as a cameo from our very own Obi Wan. Otherwise it felt a bit flat, especially considering the characterisation.
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
This story was a perfect setup for The Phantom Menace. I wasn't sure it would butt up against it well, but it really did.
Served up, magnificently. In fact, I am actually excited...to read a Terry Brooks novel (Star Wars novelization of The Phantom Menace). I have already read it once, but now that I've read everything in Legends...leading up to it, it just makes sense to read it. So, I will.
Now, this story was Darth Maul's, of course. BUT, that being said...it was also Jedi knight Darsha and Lorn Pavan's, with his trusty droid sidekick, I-5.
We also spent some time with Obi-Wan Kenobi, but for the most part, he was secondary, if not only in the background (noticing what was happening in the story). His involvement, more than what it was...would've compromised the next book/movie...and we cannot have that.
Since it WAS a Darth Maul story, it was not very forgiving, if at all. He is not shy, when it comes to killng for his Master...and this story tells THAT tale very well.
The were a number of great reveals in this story, too. The last one...was inevitable, but still surprising. Nice touch...very Sith of the author.
I will next be picking up The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks...and continuing my journey in the Star Wars: Legends books.
Served up, magnificently. In fact, I am actually excited...to read a Terry Brooks novel (Star Wars novelization of The Phantom Menace). I have already read it once, but now that I've read everything in Legends...leading up to it, it just makes sense to read it. So, I will.
Now, this story was Darth Maul's, of course. BUT, that being said...it was also Jedi knight Darsha and Lorn Pavan's, with his trusty droid sidekick, I-5.
We also spent some time with Obi-Wan Kenobi, but for the most part, he was secondary, if not only in the background (noticing what was happening in the story). His involvement, more than what it was...would've compromised the next book/movie...and we cannot have that.
Since it WAS a Darth Maul story, it was not very forgiving, if at all. He is not shy, when it comes to killng for his Master...and this story tells THAT tale very well.
The were a number of great reveals in this story, too. The last one...was inevitable, but still surprising. Nice touch...very Sith of the author.
I will next be picking up The Phantom Menace by Terry Brooks...and continuing my journey in the Star Wars: Legends books.
"He can't be bought off, scared off, or thrown off the trail and he'll stop at nothing..."
Lorn Pavan hates the Jedi. So when he and his droid companion, I-Five, get access to a Sith Holocron detailing the impending Naboo blockade, the first person he goes to is a Hutt crimelord attached to the Black Sun, not the Jedi. But someone wants that Holocron back...and he will stop at nothing to get it.
NOTE: Based on audiobook and novel.
I Liked:
WOW! I am astonished at how good this novel is! I remember when I had first read it eons ago, that I adored it and thought Reaves was an impressive author. And time has aged this novel favorably.
The writing is very engaging, very quick paced for the action, yet insightful and thoughtful for the character moments. Reaves balances the two well, not spending the whole novel on a underbelly of Coruscant race (Anderson might have) or having his characters sit around a fire gabbing all night (Traviss might have).
The characters are absolutely impressive. Lorn Pavan is your average guy. Sure, he lives in the underlevels, his best friend is a droid, and he sells information, but he isn't a Jedi, smuggler, Sith, Mandalorian, bounty hunter, assassin, or any of a million occupations that have been almost exclusively seen in Star Wars. In fact, he used to work in the Jedi Temple in finances. No different than the millions who go to work each day at Sterling Bank. What this "Everyman" character gives us is the chance to see how one guy, who isn't the best shot, pilot, or fighter in the galaxy faces off against a Sith Lord. He has guts, he has courage, and he has a friend who helps him along. Plus, we see a character who has a reason to hate the Jedi, yet when he faces on personally, realizes that there is more to them than meets the eye (unlike the Jedi-haters from Traviss' books). These qualities really stand out to me and make Lorn Pavan (Jax Pavan's father) a much more approachable character.
Then we have Darsha Assant. In some ways, she is a predecessor to Etain Tur-Mukan. She's a Jedi Padawan, trying to become a Jedi Knight, but totally ruins her first mission. She meets up with Lorn, who informs her of his find and now it is her task to see him to safety. I don't want to ruin the plot, but there is a scene where she faces off with Darth Maul that is up there with Ganner Rhysode from Traitor.
I-Five is probably the only droid I actually like to read about. C-3PO, R2-D2, and all the others always seems to get in the way or are just thrown in for a plot element. I-Five is actually a character, with feelings, with opinions, and with an excellent sense of humor. It was a good move on Reaves' part to have I-Five and Lorn banter as they do, and add levity to this intense novel.
Lastly, Darth Maul appears. If I could say only one thing, it would be this: Reaves needs to write more Maul books! He does a great job with Maul's single-minded hatred. My only complaint is there wasn't enough of him.
The plot was fantastic. The pacing was great, the flow was superb, the scenes made sense (no deus ex machina or other @ss-pulling), and the outcome was fabulous.
I Didn't Like:
Michael Reaves likes his vocabulary. He loves to dig deep into the dictionary and pull out words no one has ever heard of, such as "pyrric" and "rictus".
Obi-Wan is included, and while his part isn't inflated and does serve the purpose as to put closure for the characters, I wonder if we really needed such a prominent character in this role. Couldn't Reaves have invented a different apprentice or Jedi? Why Obi-Wan?
Lastly, Mahwi LIhnn, a bounty hunter going after Hath (who has the Sith Holocron), makes a comment that there are 1 trillion people on Coruscant, and, at a rate of 1 person/second, it would take her 100 Tatooine Sarlacc's lifetimes to interview them all. Being an ubergeek, I crunched the numbers and came up with 31.7 years. Either the character can't do math or Tatooine Sarlaccs don' live very long ;)
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
Lorn spews b*****d and d***.
Obi-Wan finds Darsha good to look at.
Darth Maul is a ruthless hunter. Several people end up dead by the end. Hath wets himself from fear.
Overall:
This is a positively astounding novel, interesting, compelling, with great characters, great writing, and great story. I enjoyed rereading about Jax's father, I-Five, and their origins. About my biggest complaint is, for a "Darth Maul" book, there isn't enough Darth Maul. Otherwise, this is definitely going on my top 10 favorite Star Wars novels list, and I highly recommend Star Wars fans to read.
Lorn Pavan hates the Jedi. So when he and his droid companion, I-Five, get access to a Sith Holocron detailing the impending Naboo blockade, the first person he goes to is a Hutt crimelord attached to the Black Sun, not the Jedi. But someone wants that Holocron back...and he will stop at nothing to get it.
NOTE: Based on audiobook and novel.
I Liked:
WOW! I am astonished at how good this novel is! I remember when I had first read it eons ago, that I adored it and thought Reaves was an impressive author. And time has aged this novel favorably.
The writing is very engaging, very quick paced for the action, yet insightful and thoughtful for the character moments. Reaves balances the two well, not spending the whole novel on a underbelly of Coruscant race (Anderson might have) or having his characters sit around a fire gabbing all night (Traviss might have).
The characters are absolutely impressive. Lorn Pavan is your average guy. Sure, he lives in the underlevels, his best friend is a droid, and he sells information, but he isn't a Jedi, smuggler, Sith, Mandalorian, bounty hunter, assassin, or any of a million occupations that have been almost exclusively seen in Star Wars. In fact, he used to work in the Jedi Temple in finances. No different than the millions who go to work each day at Sterling Bank. What this "Everyman" character gives us is the chance to see how one guy, who isn't the best shot, pilot, or fighter in the galaxy faces off against a Sith Lord. He has guts, he has courage, and he has a friend who helps him along. Plus, we see a character who has a reason to hate the Jedi, yet when he faces on personally, realizes that there is more to them than meets the eye (unlike the Jedi-haters from Traviss' books). These qualities really stand out to me and make Lorn Pavan (Jax Pavan's father) a much more approachable character.
Then we have Darsha Assant. In some ways, she is a predecessor to Etain Tur-Mukan. She's a Jedi Padawan, trying to become a Jedi Knight, but totally ruins her first mission. She meets up with Lorn, who informs her of his find and now it is her task to see him to safety. I don't want to ruin the plot, but there is a scene where she faces off with Darth Maul that is up there with Ganner Rhysode from Traitor.
I-Five is probably the only droid I actually like to read about. C-3PO, R2-D2, and all the others always seems to get in the way or are just thrown in for a plot element. I-Five is actually a character, with feelings, with opinions, and with an excellent sense of humor. It was a good move on Reaves' part to have I-Five and Lorn banter as they do, and add levity to this intense novel.
Lastly, Darth Maul appears. If I could say only one thing, it would be this: Reaves needs to write more Maul books! He does a great job with Maul's single-minded hatred. My only complaint is there wasn't enough of him.
The plot was fantastic. The pacing was great, the flow was superb, the scenes made sense (no deus ex machina or other @ss-pulling), and the outcome was fabulous.
I Didn't Like:
Michael Reaves likes his vocabulary. He loves to dig deep into the dictionary and pull out words no one has ever heard of, such as "pyrric" and "rictus".
Obi-Wan is included, and while his part isn't inflated and does serve the purpose as to put closure for the characters, I wonder if we really needed such a prominent character in this role. Couldn't Reaves have invented a different apprentice or Jedi? Why Obi-Wan?
Lastly, Mahwi LIhnn, a bounty hunter going after Hath (who has the Sith Holocron), makes a comment that there are 1 trillion people on Coruscant, and, at a rate of 1 person/second, it would take her 100 Tatooine Sarlacc's lifetimes to interview them all. Being an ubergeek, I crunched the numbers and came up with 31.7 years. Either the character can't do math or Tatooine Sarlaccs don' live very long ;)
Dialogue/Sexual Situations/Violence:
Lorn spews b*****d and d***.
Obi-Wan finds Darsha good to look at.
Darth Maul is a ruthless hunter. Several people end up dead by the end. Hath wets himself from fear.
Overall:
This is a positively astounding novel, interesting, compelling, with great characters, great writing, and great story. I enjoyed rereading about Jax's father, I-Five, and their origins. About my biggest complaint is, for a "Darth Maul" book, there isn't enough Darth Maul. Otherwise, this is definitely going on my top 10 favorite Star Wars novels list, and I highly recommend Star Wars fans to read.
