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3.55 AVERAGE
3.55 AVERAGE
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
adventurous
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
An interesting read for the backstory of Tarkin, but the main arc to the plot was rather lacking, I thought.
adventurous
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
"That's impossible! How will the Emperor maintain control without the bureaucracy?"
"The Regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station."
That exchange, from the original Star Wars film, pretty much sums up what would become known as the Tarkin Doctrine: that of rule by fear.
While there have been other Star Wars novels based on the other 'bad guys' (Vader, Boba Fett, etc), this is also the first - to the best of my knowledge - based on Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, as portrayed by Peter Cushing in the films, and the first Grand Moff of the Galactic Empire.
"Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances ..."
While it may not be apparent in the film - particulary when he utters that line seconds before the Death Star is blown up - this also makes him out ot be a strategic mastermind - it is he who oversaw the construction of the Death Star, and he who (in this) works out the identites of those who have stolen his starship that is now cayying out strikes agaisnt Imperial installations, the pursuit of which is the main driving force of the plot behind this novel.
This also goes to show how Vader came to work with Tarkin on board the Death Star, and the defining events of Tarkins earlier life that would go to shape the character he would become.
With all that said, however, the writing style did - at times - put me off, with the novel never really getting me hooked into just what would ahppen next - we all know, for example, that he would survive and not only survive, but prosper by the end of it! It's also not the worst Star Wars book, nor even the worst of the 'New Canon' such books I've read, but nor was it the best - a solid middle-of-the-road entry for me.
"The Regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station."
That exchange, from the original Star Wars film, pretty much sums up what would become known as the Tarkin Doctrine: that of rule by fear.
While there have been other Star Wars novels based on the other 'bad guys' (Vader, Boba Fett, etc), this is also the first - to the best of my knowledge - based on Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, as portrayed by Peter Cushing in the films, and the first Grand Moff of the Galactic Empire.
"Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances ..."
While it may not be apparent in the film - particulary when he utters that line seconds before the Death Star is blown up - this also makes him out ot be a strategic mastermind - it is he who oversaw the construction of the Death Star, and he who (in this) works out the identites of those who have stolen his starship that is now cayying out strikes agaisnt Imperial installations, the pursuit of which is the main driving force of the plot behind this novel.
This also goes to show how Vader came to work with Tarkin on board the Death Star, and the defining events of Tarkins earlier life that would go to shape the character he would become.
With all that said, however, the writing style did - at times - put me off, with the novel never really getting me hooked into just what would ahppen next - we all know, for example, that he would survive and not only survive, but prosper by the end of it! It's also not the worst Star Wars book, nor even the worst of the 'New Canon' such books I've read, but nor was it the best - a solid middle-of-the-road entry for me.
As excited as I am for the new unified canon I have to admit up front that the idea of a Tarkin book among the four-book announcement was not the most exciting of the bunch to me. As a Star Wars fan, I’m a guy who might be a little too into adventure and excitement. Tarkin was a character that I never really wondered or cared about the background story of. He’s a megalomaniac who gives the order to destroy a planet with his new toy. He’s a narcissist who refuses to believe a bunch of snub fighters have a chance to harm him. He’s a military warlord with the regal bearing of a politician. What else needs to be said?
Picking up the book and just diving into it I’m immediately drawn in. The opening statement and the implications of creating an “Empire that will endure” is a wonderful portent for the future of the entire Star Wars galaxy. I’m surprised with how quickly Luceno paints a picture of this character that is much more complete than anything we’ve ever had.
As the story starts to move it becomes a wonderful mystery story of Tarkin tracking down his enemies with the focus and ruthlessness of a hunter. The addition of some wonderful character moments between Tarkin, Vader, Palpatine, and even Sate Pestage reveal a lot about the state of the galaxy and the Empire’s dominion, and potentially even the climate of Star Wars: Episode VII. Tarkin’s tactical genius and efficiency in dealing with obstacles are interesting and compelling to watch unfold.
The story ends as a Star Wars story should, with a great sense of finality to the events in the book, and a glimpse into where the threads made here will lead into the future of the Star Wars universe. This book packs a punch with the Imperial intrigue but also doesn’t fail to deliver a lot of Star Wars-style action. Dogfights, blaster shootouts, and even a bit of lightsaber swinging (bet you can guess whose).
All in all my expectations were blown away by the book I was least looking forward to (sorry Del Rey!) It’s definitely something worth reading even if Tarkin isn’t your favorite. It’s a worthy addition to the new Star Wars canon line and judging from this and A New Dawn we’ve got a lot to look forward to!
“Death or renown, ladies and gentlemen.”
-Wilhuff Tarkin
Picking up the book and just diving into it I’m immediately drawn in. The opening statement and the implications of creating an “Empire that will endure” is a wonderful portent for the future of the entire Star Wars galaxy. I’m surprised with how quickly Luceno paints a picture of this character that is much more complete than anything we’ve ever had.
As the story starts to move it becomes a wonderful mystery story of Tarkin tracking down his enemies with the focus and ruthlessness of a hunter. The addition of some wonderful character moments between Tarkin, Vader, Palpatine, and even Sate Pestage reveal a lot about the state of the galaxy and the Empire’s dominion, and potentially even the climate of Star Wars: Episode VII. Tarkin’s tactical genius and efficiency in dealing with obstacles are interesting and compelling to watch unfold.
The story ends as a Star Wars story should, with a great sense of finality to the events in the book, and a glimpse into where the threads made here will lead into the future of the Star Wars universe. This book packs a punch with the Imperial intrigue but also doesn’t fail to deliver a lot of Star Wars-style action. Dogfights, blaster shootouts, and even a bit of lightsaber swinging (bet you can guess whose).
All in all my expectations were blown away by the book I was least looking forward to (sorry Del Rey!) It’s definitely something worth reading even if Tarkin isn’t your favorite. It’s a worthy addition to the new Star Wars canon line and judging from this and A New Dawn we’ve got a lot to look forward to!
“Death or renown, ladies and gentlemen.”
-Wilhuff Tarkin
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Emperor sure likes to make Vader team up with high ranking officials Vader hates and knew before as Anakin huh. First with Tarkin then with Thrawn in Thrawn: Alliances. Thrawn and Tarkin even start with T! Now it’s time for a Yularen book or something.
