Reviews

Dark Apprentice by Kevin J. Anderson

empiepaps's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

The second book in the Jedi academy and it only gets better, a lot less random little plot points that don't really matter in the grand scheme of things. And I found it a lot less boring also, the characters were amazing and especially Kyp which we see get slowly turned and it all adds up to the end and which he does something crazy. Also, some other characters I thought were well written were Admiral Daala but we saw a lot less of in this book. The plot was less there but it was more of we see each character and what they are doing and it slowly adds up for the next book. I thought Admiral Ackbar's actions made sense but I really didn't like it the most. My only complaint was the whole the children are lost and a secret society we see, I found boring and a waste of my time. The ending was great but overall, it felt like an okay book some parts dragged some parts exceeded. This is why it's an okay book but the next book will be better, but people that want to read it you should but do not expect an amazing book.

tmarso's review against another edition

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3.0

Cool sometimes, dragging other times

horseyhayls's review against another edition

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3.0

3.5

puddingtaco's review against another edition

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2.0

I was recommended the Jedi Academy Trilogy as a good Luke Skywalker story. He did pretty well in the first book, though the focus was hardly locked onto him. In this book, there is, like a bit more focus on the burgeoning group of Jedi hopefuls. And then some focus on Ackbar, because... who knows. Oh, and love interest for Wedge, because that is worth anyone's time. Luke apparently has no powers to sense the Dark Side screwing with his students whatsoever. And when it happens once, he just goes ahead and let's it happen again because he's completely inept. I sound like I am rating this low because I don't like the outcome. It's not that the book was written badly. I was in love with Kyp. WAS. Even the parts about all the other characters went well, much better than the last book. But, gosh darn, I refuse to believe that Luke freaking Skywalker just really sucks at being a Jedi Master. I suppose it could be true, but then what was the point of telling me how amazing he was throughout three movies? Will he redeem himself in the next book? I suppose I will read to find out, but I was really let down by this one.

lewistronb's review against another edition

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adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

imalwayswrite's review against another edition

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2.0

The story isn’t a bad one, but the writing is just awful. Anderson repeats already tired phrases such as “the power of the Dark Side” and so on, so not only does the novel seem unoriginal, it seems…I don’t even know. I mean, we already know it’s a Star Wars novel, we don’t need to be reminded – over and over – about “the power of the Dark Side.” At least phrase it differently.

He also repeats his own similes – twice he described blast doors on Calamari as a “diagonal mouth.” What, he can’t come up with something different to keep the prose from being repetitive? At one point he described something as “raw bread dough.” Really? Like there’s any other type?

And as powerful and aggressive as Admiral Daala is, is she really so naïve as to think that Tarkin promoted her based on merit alone? I mean, she’s had 10 years to think it over while isolated at the Maw Installation.

Also references a comic book series (Dark Empire II, I believe) and a short story from Tales From Mos Eisley Cantina (The Sand Tender: The Hammerhead’s Tale). Neither reference enhances the story, in fact, they only serve to leave the reader with questions.

This definitely is not a stand-alone novel, but a bridge to the third and final installment in the series.

abell84's review against another edition

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4.0

If you like ancient Dark Jedi spirits, superweapons, and renegade Imperial Warlords, then this is just the book for you. Given what we know now about the Jedi Order of the Republic, this book can feel a little jarring due to it having been written prior to the release of the prequels. However, if you keep that in mind for context, its an enjoyable read with some pretty awesome moments.

seareader's review against another edition

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4.0

I really liked this one. Anderson is a great writer and I have enjoyed all of his work so far.

This is the second book of the Jedi Search series and it really keeps you on your toes. It was dark and suspenseful which made for a more dramatic reading experience. Can't wait to start the third one!

wealhtheow's review against another edition

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3.0

The spirit of a long-dead Jedi returns to haunt the newly formed Jedi Academy--and unfortunately, the Jedi is totally Dark Sided. By the end of the book, former-slave Kyp has become consumed by revenge, and Luke is in a coma. Woops!

frostbitsky's review against another edition

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3.0

Admiral Daala, finally a female Imperial officer. But she's crazy from cabin fever by sticking around in the Maw Installation for many years and that makes her incompetent as an officer. Being set on revenge with that mind frame is asking for disaster.
What a shame b/c she had smarts and skill in school. If only the Emperor wasn't sexist, then Tarkin wouldn't have stuck her in the Maw.

Lando really annoyed me when he challenged Han for the Falcon just because he lost the Lady Luck. Face it, you lost the first time! To much back and forth with the sabacc games and ownership of the Falcon in this story. Glad Mara's influence ended their childish games ;)

I do vaguely remember Leia's crash on Vortex but totally forgot that it spawned the whole Ackbar resigning and Terpfen's sabatoge. Which then all linked back to the Ambassador Furgan attempting to kidnapp Anakin Solo from Anoth. Leia's trip to Mon Calamari to persuade Ackbar to come back to the New Republic and to request his help to save her youngest son was a good subplot. Enjoyed those story lines.

Luke and the events at the academy were still fresh in my mind from reading I, Jedi about a year ago. But it was better to read them in this book than out of Corran's point of view because you get the full picture as to the strange events going on caused by Exar Kun. And Corran hasn't even been mentioned by name. Only about 1/2 of Luke's students have been named. In retrospect I think I, Jedi should be read after this trilogy, or IMHO, not at all. :P

Wedge and Qui's little romantic vacation was cute. Wedge needs some love. Happy filler story.
I thought Jacen and Jaina's adventure under Coruscant would have more meaning later on but it was just a filler I guess to get to know the twins more. Could have done without that part.
Of course the title of this second book refers to Kyp Durron, I think. Under Exar's influence he steals the Sun Crusher and wrecks havoc on the galaxy. But you just know Daala and her Star Destoryer get away last minute. She should have stayed where she was. By losing half her fleet in two books shows her incompetence.