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dylanhenning's review
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book was frustrating as a Star Wars fan. It felt like it was being pulled in a few different narrative directions and it doesn’t really explore any of them enough to provide any real depth.
I did appreciate getting some lore tidbits on the Whills and even the Sith through translated poems and journal entries at the beginning of each chapter. It would’ve been cool to dive a little deeper there but I can understand why they wouldn’t want to do that so early in the “new” canon timeline.
It was fun to get more of Baze and Chirrut and their banter and relationship.
There was a pretty interesting quote in the last third of the book about the Empire and conformity. I hadn’t considered it from that perspective before but it will certainly be in my mind going forward.
The ending here felt lackluster. There was no major conflict or intense action sequence to drive home the end of the story. Just a brief altercation that dissipates almost as quickly as it started.
In the end this is a fun read for Star Wars conpletionists nut I wouldn’t consider essential reading. I think this story might have worked better as a short story or comic one-shot to tighten the focus and flow.
I did appreciate getting some lore tidbits on the Whills and even the Sith through translated poems and journal entries at the beginning of each chapter. It would’ve been cool to dive a little deeper there but I can understand why they wouldn’t want to do that so early in the “new” canon timeline.
It was fun to get more of Baze and Chirrut and their banter and relationship.
There was a pretty interesting quote in the last third of the book about the Empire and conformity. I hadn’t considered it from that perspective before but it will certainly be in my mind going forward.
The ending here felt lackluster. There was no major conflict or intense action sequence to drive home the end of the story. Just a brief altercation that dissipates almost as quickly as it started.
In the end this is a fun read for Star Wars conpletionists nut I wouldn’t consider essential reading. I think this story might have worked better as a short story or comic one-shot to tighten the focus and flow.
melniksuzuki's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
asche's review against another edition
4.0
Eh, kind of disappointed that the book teased about Baze losing his faith in the Force, but never went into more detail about the history or cause. I would have loved a story about their days as Guardians of the Whills (as that is the book's title), this seemed more like a direct prequel to Rogue One. Also yes, we get that Baze is a large man.
lexilou07's review
adventurous
funny
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
mash1138's review against another edition
5.0
This is actually the first Star Wars novel I’ve read from start to finish, and boy did I pick a GREAT one! Chirrut and Baze were easily my favorite characters in Rogue One, and this book takes the relationship they had in the film and expands upon in such a way that I love them even more. Great pacing, an interesting plot, a dash of Eastern philosophy (via the Force), and its a beautiful book in terms of design and the illustrations. Highly recommended! I think I need to read Rucka’s other Star Wars novels next.
shadowsofwonder's review against another edition
2.5
Out of all the R1 tie-ins, I was most excited for Guardians of the Whills. It's "only" a children's book, but the High Republic proved how good those can be.
Also, Baze & Chirrut were the most interesting characters for me in R1 and I was excited to learn more about Jedha.
Unfortunately, this book couldn't have disappointed me more.
I will keep this short because I don't believe in spreading too many negative opinions. We have enough of those in the Star Wars community. But I need to get my frustrations out.
I couldn't even tell you what this book is about.
An adventure about Baze & Chirrut?
A prequel story of how Saw Gerrera settled down on Jedha?
A story about saving children from the evil Empire?
I don't think the book itself even knew what it wanted to be.
In the end it was all of those things, but none of them.
The reader gets thrown in an out of scenes rather randomly.
Because of this, you know what's happening overall, but it's not a captivating story, sucking the reader in with good prose, characters or story.
It's just too vague and not detailed enough to accomplish that.
It's a report of events rather than a story.
To name something positive though, it was short and I didn't have to suffer long...
Even though this was my most anticipated R1 tie-in, it's the one that disappointed me the most. Even more than Catalyst, as that novel had at least some interesting elements.
This was only my experience reading this book. If you experienced it differently, I am genuinely happy for you.
Also, Baze & Chirrut were the most interesting characters for me in R1 and I was excited to learn more about Jedha.
Unfortunately, this book couldn't have disappointed me more.
I will keep this short because I don't believe in spreading too many negative opinions. We have enough of those in the Star Wars community. But I need to get my frustrations out.
I couldn't even tell you what this book is about.
An adventure about Baze & Chirrut?
A prequel story of how Saw Gerrera settled down on Jedha?
A story about saving children from the evil Empire?
I don't think the book itself even knew what it wanted to be.
In the end it was all of those things, but none of them.
The reader gets thrown in an out of scenes rather randomly.
Because of this, you know what's happening overall, but it's not a captivating story, sucking the reader in with good prose, characters or story.
It's just too vague and not detailed enough to accomplish that.
It's a report of events rather than a story.
To name something positive though, it was short and I didn't have to suffer long...
Even though this was my most anticipated R1 tie-in, it's the one that disappointed me the most. Even more than Catalyst, as that novel had at least some interesting elements.
This was only my experience reading this book. If you experienced it differently, I am genuinely happy for you.
poppyparkes's review against another edition
3.0
This junior novel has a fast-paced and interesting plot, and although I finished it very quickly it was refreshing to read this book in between longer reads. Obviously, it is meant for children but that does not mean it was not a good book and enjoyed I appreciate Baze and Chirrut more in Rogue One than I previously did.
kathkira's review against another edition
4.0
I loved all the excerpts from "Collected Poems, Prayers, and Meditations on the Force" throughout the book.