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3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
Loved the movie loved the book. The wait for Episode 9 is killing me daily.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
These books are such a great complement to the movies 💞 I love having every characters povs (even if it can be a little confusing sometimes).
adventurous
dark
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 have mixed feelings about this book. I picked up the book hoping to find additional scenes and deeper insight into characters' emotions and thoughts in various situations. I only got half of that, at best.
The book started out well, with multiple scenes that are not in the movie, starting with a prologue that shows the outcome of Luke's life had things gone differently on Tatooine decades earlier. I absolutely loved it, and was greatly looking forward to that level of creativity and input. Unfortunately, the number of additional scenes dwindled as the book went on. Almost every scene that was added for the book is in the first half. This, paired with the lack of character emotion and thought exploration made for a much duller second half.
Speaking of, I was very disappointed with how emotions are portrayed in this novelization. This movie has a lot of scenes that are emotionally charged. From the Resistance being on its last stand, to the emergence of a bond between Kylo Ren and Rey, and Leia losing many people she holds dear, many characters in this chapter of the Star Wars story are in the middle of intense situations and emotions. Fry did an awful job of relaying that on paper. In the movies, I absolutely love the scenes between Rey and Kylo when they are communicating through the force. The moment where they reassure each other that they are not alone is such an important and emotionally charged scene, and Fry catastrophically failed to translate this moment and all of its sentiments to the page. The scene was over in a single page, and I didn't feel any of the vulnerability that is so well conveyed on screen. The moment is a catalyst of the evolution of their dynamic and story. There was so much potential to show audiences how Rey and Kylo were feeling, even show the visions they each had during that moment when they touched. Instead the moment is reduced to an insignificant and passing minute. There were plenty of other moments that lacked feeling, such as Finn's near sacrifice and Luke's passing, but I can't go over each missed opportunity.
I will say, however, that some characters greatly benefited from the novelization. Jumps between different characters' perspective gave audiences greater understanding over their personalities, motives, and values. (Why this didn't apply to the major characters of the sequel trilogy remains a mystery.) Rose's character was a lot more loveable and funny in the book than in the movie to me. In the book, she is a lot more sassy, still just as fierce, but the insights into her thoughts made for her falling for Finn feel more natural. Her connection to her sister was also much more profound here. Leia is another character who benefited. We got more moments of reflection and grief from her that rounded her out as a character. She was no longer just a general. She was a grieving widow and mother, a political and military woman who had seen too much pain and death but could not leave the fight behind. The first scene we see her in, in which she has to give a speech after Han's death was particularly impactful to me.
In summary, we've already seen the movie. The saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words" doesn't exist for nothing, so when translating a film into a book, we need more insight into the characters' heads, which is the biggest hurdle for films. Instead, Fry focused on writing down what was visually happening on screen which made each scene feel duller without the facial and musical cues that brought forth that emotion, with the exception of the occasional scene in which he took creative liberties and actually explored the state of mind of characters.
The book started out well, with multiple scenes that are not in the movie, starting with a prologue that shows the outcome of Luke's life had things gone differently on Tatooine decades earlier. I absolutely loved it, and was greatly looking forward to that level of creativity and input. Unfortunately, the number of additional scenes dwindled as the book went on. Almost every scene that was added for the book is in the first half. This, paired with the lack of character emotion and thought exploration made for a much duller second half.
Speaking of, I was very disappointed with how emotions are portrayed in this novelization. This movie has a lot of scenes that are emotionally charged. From the Resistance being on its last stand, to the emergence of a bond between Kylo Ren and Rey, and Leia losing many people she holds dear, many characters in this chapter of the Star Wars story are in the middle of intense situations and emotions. Fry did an awful job of relaying that on paper. In the movies, I absolutely love the scenes between Rey and Kylo when they are communicating through the force. The moment where they reassure each other that they are not alone is such an important and emotionally charged scene, and Fry catastrophically failed to translate this moment and all of its sentiments to the page. The scene was over in a single page, and I didn't feel any of the vulnerability that is so well conveyed on screen. The moment is a catalyst of the evolution of their dynamic and story. There was so much potential to show audiences how Rey and Kylo were feeling, even show the visions they each had during that moment when they touched. Instead the moment is reduced to an insignificant and passing minute. There were plenty of other moments that lacked feeling, such as Finn's near sacrifice and Luke's passing, but I can't go over each missed opportunity.
I will say, however, that some characters greatly benefited from the novelization. Jumps between different characters' perspective gave audiences greater understanding over their personalities, motives, and values. (Why this didn't apply to the major characters of the sequel trilogy remains a mystery.) Rose's character was a lot more loveable and funny in the book than in the movie to me. In the book, she is a lot more sassy, still just as fierce, but the insights into her thoughts made for her falling for Finn feel more natural. Her connection to her sister was also much more profound here. Leia is another character who benefited. We got more moments of reflection and grief from her that rounded her out as a character. She was no longer just a general. She was a grieving widow and mother, a political and military woman who had seen too much pain and death but could not leave the fight behind. The first scene we see her in, in which she has to give a speech after Han's death was particularly impactful to me.
In summary, we've already seen the movie. The saying that "a picture is worth a thousand words" doesn't exist for nothing, so when translating a film into a book, we need more insight into the characters' heads, which is the biggest hurdle for films. Instead, Fry focused on writing down what was visually happening on screen which made each scene feel duller without the facial and musical cues that brought forth that emotion, with the exception of the occasional scene in which he took creative liberties and actually explored the state of mind of characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Violence
The movie did it better. To be fair, the movie always does it better than the novelization. Novelizations are nearly to a one marketing ploys. But after having read the novelization for Rogue One, I am now spoiled for all future movie novelizations. That book was fantastic. It was a piece of art all on its own, and I nearly liked it better than the movie.
This was not that. It was competent. Nothing was wrong. But most importantly, it didn't really translate; the big moments did not hit here like they did in the film. They mostly just zoomed by and no emotional impact was recorded. I'm thinking specifically of two of my favorite moments, the Kylo Ren/Snoke/Rey sequence, and Luke vs. Ben at the end. Fry wrote those two scenes, the whole book really, as if relaying what happened. There didn't seem to be any attempt to evoke the same feelings the movie did through different means. There was no art to it.
Still, it was a good enough reading experience. Like I said, now that I know that novelizations can be great, I will be holding all the rest of them to that standard. Rounding up from 3.5 though, because this was way better than The Force Awakens novelization, which was not great, and also because the "deleted scenes" were legitimately fun. Especially the prologue, which was an extended fantasy sequence into what Luke's life would have been like had he never gone to find old Ben in the desert back in the first movie.
[3.5 stars, rounded up]
This was not that. It was competent. Nothing was wrong. But most importantly, it didn't really translate; the big moments did not hit here like they did in the film. They mostly just zoomed by and no emotional impact was recorded. I'm thinking specifically of two of my favorite moments, the Kylo Ren/Snoke/Rey sequence, and Luke vs. Ben at the end. Fry wrote those two scenes, the whole book really, as if relaying what happened. There didn't seem to be any attempt to evoke the same feelings the movie did through different means. There was no art to it.
Still, it was a good enough reading experience. Like I said, now that I know that novelizations can be great, I will be holding all the rest of them to that standard. Rounding up from 3.5 though, because this was way better than The Force Awakens novelization, which was not great, and also because the "deleted scenes" were legitimately fun. Especially the prologue, which was an extended fantasy sequence into what Luke's life would have been like had he never gone to find old Ben in the desert back in the first movie.
[3.5 stars, rounded up]
This novelization didn't quite live up to the emotional pull of the first book. While I loved the nuances found in The Force Awakens, I found this book to be particularly lacking. I am pretty bummed about this as of the three movies it is by far my favorite but I still enjoyed it.
This is the best written description of The Last Jedi to date. Kogge's junior novel version was downright inaccurate, painting Kylo as always angry, one dimensional villain, and trying to attribute the "I'll come back for you sweetheart" line to Rey's parents when that has been disproven time and time again - and we all know it's Kylo.
Plus he just gleans over force time scenes.
Then I read Schaeffer's Movie Book for TLJ, and it describes scenes inaccurately, giving actions to different characters, painting Luke very differently - chasing Rey off the island vs. his running from her in the movie during rain scene.
I could go on and on - THIS version, Jason Fry's, delivers in terms of laying out text related to all scenes while adding in *some* inner monologue of main characters, and backstory. For example, Rose's experience with the Rebels, and her relationship with her sister was fully painted and fascinating. With Finn, it's clear Rey was constantly on his mind (moreso than in the movie!)
Of course I ran to the Force Time scenes, and they were well described, although Fry makes sure not to give more away. Once Rey reaches Kylo's ship, for example, their interactions are interesting - but still limited in their description. I especially thought the elevator scene would give away more of what Rey and Kylo were thinking as they faced each other. It was extremely telling when Rey suddenly realizes 'Kylo's churning emotions were as much about her as about him.' There was no indication, as Rian has admitted in movie, that Kylo had decided to defy Snoke before entering the throne room with Rey.
Finally, I absolutely love how Fry describes the Throne Room scene, in particular, how Rey is feeling like a novice once they fight the Pretorian Guard, but then quickly "loses herself" in the force, and instead of trying to use the force to her ends, allows the force to lead her actions. She feels power and confidence as she becomes a tool of the force. And they include this awesome scene of Rey escaping in Snoke's escape pod - her reflecting on the fact that she nor Kylo can control the force - that to try leads to misery and disappointment. That she can only allow events to fold out as they do.
Anyway, I loved it, definitely reinforced Reylo, painted much more full formed characters - especially minor ones that furthered the plot (Phasma, Holdo, Paige, DJ). And it was a great read!
Plus he just gleans over force time scenes.
Then I read Schaeffer's Movie Book for TLJ, and it describes scenes inaccurately, giving actions to different characters, painting Luke very differently - chasing Rey off the island vs. his running from her in the movie during rain scene.
I could go on and on - THIS version, Jason Fry's, delivers in terms of laying out text related to all scenes while adding in *some* inner monologue of main characters, and backstory. For example, Rose's experience with the Rebels, and her relationship with her sister was fully painted and fascinating. With Finn, it's clear Rey was constantly on his mind (moreso than in the movie!)
Of course I ran to the Force Time scenes, and they were well described, although Fry makes sure not to give more away. Once Rey reaches Kylo's ship, for example, their interactions are interesting - but still limited in their description. I especially thought the elevator scene would give away more of what Rey and Kylo were thinking as they faced each other. It was extremely telling when Rey suddenly realizes 'Kylo's churning emotions were as much about her as about him.' There was no indication, as Rian has admitted in movie, that Kylo had decided to defy Snoke before entering the throne room with Rey.
Finally, I absolutely love how Fry describes the Throne Room scene, in particular, how Rey is feeling like a novice once they fight the Pretorian Guard, but then quickly "loses herself" in the force, and instead of trying to use the force to her ends, allows the force to lead her actions. She feels power and confidence as she becomes a tool of the force. And they include this awesome scene of Rey escaping in Snoke's escape pod - her reflecting on the fact that she nor Kylo can control the force - that to try leads to misery and disappointment. That she can only allow events to fold out as they do.
Anyway, I loved it, definitely reinforced Reylo, painted much more full formed characters - especially minor ones that furthered the plot (Phasma, Holdo, Paige, DJ). And it was a great read!
Hm. So many reviews, both positive and negative, prior to its actual release date. Good grief.
Anyway, I enjoyed this novelization, for reasons similar to those I had for enjoying the novelization of The Force Awakens. It's not just a rehash and narration of the movie; there are 'extended scenes' and 'cut scenes', and also a few peeks into characters' mental states.
For one thing, the story opens in a completely different way from the movie.
Other cuts: a memorial service for Han, more time with Rose and Page,
more First Order faction drama (Empire throwbacks vs. Hux), more character background on Poe and why he and Leia are so close, Hux (), Phasma (), Finn, Snoke, and Kylo Ren. I wouldn't say there's equal time spent on the backgrounds of these characters, but it's more than we get from the films or the first novelization.
I still don't really believe that Rey came from nowhere, by the way. That might be what Kylo Ren got of their mind-meld (yes, I know that's a Star Trekism--just shhhh), and maybe Rey has been convinced too, but I think we're being led along with a red herring.
Also, if this particular chapter in the saga has taught us anything, it's that characters' memories are completely unreliable. Just take the iterations of flashback between Luke and Kylo Ren as the prime examples. Even now, I'm not sure which one we're meant to believe is true, or if any of them are true.
Cue Dumbledore:
Yes, I've dragged Star Trek and Harry Potter into this. You're welcome.
But the whole thing also made me think of:
I have no idea where it's all going from here--the Rebels are seriously diminished, after all; the First Order has lost their hub ship and their new Supreme leader is pretty unstable; and I can't believe Hux is still alive, and I think Kylo might eventually kill him during one of his fits of rage--but I'm ready. Bring on the next chapter, please!
Anyway, I enjoyed this novelization, for reasons similar to those I had for enjoying the novelization of The Force Awakens. It's not just a rehash and narration of the movie; there are 'extended scenes' and 'cut scenes', and also a few peeks into characters' mental states.
For one thing, the story opens in a completely different way from the movie.
Spoiler
We see Luke living an alternate life in an alternate timeline where he's a farmer and married, living out his life on Tatooine and wondering if he was meant for other things. All of this dissolves into a dream, but it's kind of interesting in its hints of Luke's personal regrets.Other cuts: a memorial service for Han, more time with Rose and Page,
more First Order faction drama (Empire throwbacks vs. Hux), more character background on Poe and why he and Leia are so close, Hux (
Spoiler
bumped off his dad while climbing the military ladderSpoiler
worshiped as a deity on her home worldSpoiler
Like, Snoke surrounds himself in the trappings of the Emperor, but the novelization gives the clear impression that he has very little interest in cultivating the Sith or other powerful Jedi. He's only interested in them insofar as how useful they are at clearing the field of his competition. His scope is pretty limited, really; he doesn't see what Yoda's spirit sees: that both Kylo Ren and Rey are ultimately beyond whatever Snoke, Luke, the Sith, and the Jedi are.I still don't really believe that Rey came from nowhere, by the way. That might be what Kylo Ren got of their mind-meld (yes, I know that's a Star Trekism--just shhhh), and maybe Rey has been convinced too, but I think we're being led along with a red herring.
Also, if this particular chapter in the saga has taught us anything, it's that characters' memories are completely unreliable. Just take the iterations of flashback between Luke and Kylo Ren as the prime examples. Even now, I'm not sure which one we're meant to believe is true, or if any of them are true.
Cue Dumbledore:
"This is perhaps the most important memory I've collected. It is also a lie. This memory has been tampered with."
Yes, I've dragged Star Trek and Harry Potter into this. You're welcome.
But the whole thing also made me think of:
I have no idea where it's all going from here--the Rebels are seriously diminished, after all; the First Order has lost their hub ship and their new Supreme leader is pretty unstable; and I can't believe Hux is still alive, and I think Kylo might eventually kill him during one of his fits of rage--but I'm ready. Bring on the next chapter, please!
"BB-8 stood stock still on the casino floor, beeping encouragingly. The inebriated alien stuck another coin into his tool bay and BB-8 warbled happily, flashing the diagnostic lights on his head, then offered a sad, droopy coo. Frustrated, the gambler dug in his pocket for yet another coin."
That paragraph almost made up for the entire Canto Bight sequence.
"[Rey]'s on her own path," [Rose] told [Finn]. "You need to find yours." Rose's jealousy of FinnRey was a bit annoying – until I realised I was thinking the exact same thing every time Finn goes on about Rey! "Rey Rey Rey. Rose really wanted to stun him again."
This book developed character motivations that were glossed over in the movie, for example, why Rey reacts to Kylo the way she does throughout the story. Kylo himself was not told in quite as much detail as I would have liked, but overall, the book really enriched one of my favourite Star Wars films.
And on a rather more irrelevant note, the cover art is amazing. Y'all know, of course, which side of it I am referring to.
edit: I'm reading The Great Gatsby and have decided that, as much as the Canto Bight sequence detracts from the film, on its own, 'roaring twenties in space' is a pretty cool concept.
That paragraph almost made up for the entire Canto Bight sequence.
"[Rey]'s on her own path," [Rose] told [Finn]. "You need to find yours." Rose's jealousy of FinnRey was a bit annoying – until I realised I was thinking the exact same thing every time Finn goes on about Rey! "Rey Rey Rey. Rose really wanted to stun him again."
This book developed character motivations that were glossed over in the movie, for example, why Rey reacts to Kylo the way she does throughout the story. Kylo himself was not told in quite as much detail as I would have liked, but overall, the book really enriched one of my favourite Star Wars films.
And on a rather more irrelevant note, the cover art is amazing. Y'all know, of course, which side of it I am referring to.
edit: I'm reading The Great Gatsby and have decided that, as much as the Canto Bight sequence detracts from the film, on its own, 'roaring twenties in space' is a pretty cool concept.