The Approaching Storm - Old Republic Novel - Pre Attack of the Clones

"Master Kenobi and Skywalker have just returned from a border dispute on Ansion." - The Prequal to Attack of the Clones....

While the entire galaxy watches and waits, two Jedi and their apprentices battle impossible odds to protect the Republic….

The Republic is decaying, even under the leadership of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine, who was elected to save the galaxy from collapsing under the forces of discontent. On the tiny but strategic planet of Ansion, a powerful faction is on the verge of joining the growing secessionst movement. At the Chancellor's request, the Jedi Council sends two Jedi Knights, Obi-Wan Kenobi and Luminara Unduli, along with their Padawans Anakin Skywalker and Barriss Offee, to stabilize the planet's population. To succeed, the Jedi will have to fulfill near impossible tasks, befriend wary strangers, and influence two great armies, stalked all the while by an enemy sworn to see the negotiations collapse and the mission fail….

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The Approaching Storm is a story in the Star Wars Expanded Universe that really sets the stage for Attack of the Clones and goes a little deeper into the back story between a Jedi and Padawn. It also goes deeper into the beginnings of the Separatists movement at masterminding the secession of worlds from the republic. Jedi Knight Luminara Unduli and her Padawan Learner Barriss Offee are the main characters in our story with Skywalker and Kenobi taking a very predominant role, but second to the female pair in Approaching Storm.

Alan Dean Foster's second piece of work in the Star Wars EU, first being Splinter of Minds Eye, being a big success in my journeys. Foster has created a large elaborate story from such a minor plug in the film. After the attempted assassination of Padme on the Skyhook on Coruscant, Palpatine recommends to the attending Jedi Members to put Padme under their protection. Mace mentions the boarder dispute and our idea is born.

Ansion is a small world but is the center of a treaty within the Republic that will have ripple effects on 18 other systems. The secession of this world would cause so many others to leave or stay in the Republic that the security of keeping this world is of top priority. Luminara and Bariss start the investigation and the negotiation with the Ansionians and are later joined by Obi-Wan and Anakin. Their tale on Ansion takes them to many meetings with the different tribes of Ansion in trying to reach their goal of bringing peace between all the tribes and an agreement to stay in the Republic with the Unity Council. Many villans exist from the Commerce Guild / Separatists, Hutt Cartel on Ansion, and the hostile groups of locals.

Many large and small battles, many new species and characters in the journey on Ansion. The Jedi share their many hidden talents from Light Saber Gymnastics, singing, story telling, and complete mastery of the force as offering to many of the tribes to gain their trust. This is another Gem in the EU that is enjoyed by those who venture deeper than just the movies. Barriss and Luminara are two of my female Jedi, only second to Aayla, and it was very nice to learn more of them. I don't think the Clone Wars cartoon has properly keyed in Barriss's age, because in Approaching Storm Anakin and Barriss have the same equal position as Jedi Padawan. In the Clone Wars Barris is still a padawan and treats Anakin like a master or teacher, unlike the brother sister relationship they share in Approaching Storm.

A very minor inconsistency in the overall scheme of this book. The book created bonds between all four Jedi with the political objections they were burdened with and the physical obstacles, they maintained themselves and persevered against the odds. This book is not one to be missed if you enjoy this era.

~You must have faith that he will take the right path.

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Jedi Search - Jedi Academy Trilogy Book 1 - New Republic Novel

As the war between the Republic and the scattered remnants of the Empire continues, two children the - Jedi twins - will come into their powers in a universe on the brink of vast changes and challenges. In this time of turmoil and discovery, an extraordinary new Star Wars saga begins.


While Luke Skywalker takes the first step toward setting up an academy to train a new order of Jedi Knights, Han Solo and Chewbacca are taken prisoner on the planet Kessel and forced to work in the fathomless depths of a spice mine.

But when Han and Chewie break away, they flee desperately to a secret Imperial research laboratory surrounded by a cluster of black holes and go from one danger to a far greater one.

On Kessel, Luke picks up the trail of his two friends, only to come face-to-face with a weapon so awesome, it can wipe out an entire solar system. It is a death ship called the Sun Crusher, invented by a reclusive genius and piloted by none other than Han himself...

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Jedi Search lives right up to its name.  For the first time, Luke is actually starting his journey in rebuilding the Jedi.  After receiving permission from the New Republic to start his academy, he starts his search for potential Jedi students.  Luke's journey takes him to the volcanic world of Eol Sha, very similar to Mustafar, to investigate a potential new student, Gantoris.  Gantoris and the people of Eol Sha put Luke thru a series of trials to prove his intentions with Gantoris.  Luke and Leia also assist in the relocation of the Eol Sha people to save them from their currently unstable planet.

After going back to Coruscant after a failed business venture, Lando is dispatched by Leia to investigate another potential Jedi for the New Republic.

Han and Chewie's adventure as diplomatic adversaries to the Spice Mines of Kessel and find themselves in the hands of an old enemy during the days of the Empire.  The are taken hostage and are working in the Spice Mines, and meet up with a young man with extreme potential as a Jedi.

The adventures in this book takes us to many familiar and new places.  Han and his gang end up in the Maw, a cluster of black holes, in one of their escapes and find themselves cornered by Imperial Forces that have lost contact with the Empire since the creation of the first Death Star.  Another weapon of mass destruction is unveiled, while Han is taken captive by the Imperials that believe they are still under Governor Tarkin's orders.  There are many turns and new faces forming the New Republic in this novel; while we still never lose track of the victors over Endor. 

Luke is beginning to lead the way to creating the Jedi Knights of the New Republic and establishing his Jedi Praxium over none other that the forth moon over Yavin, Dxun.  Much darkness resides in the history of Dxun, such as the exile of Dark Lord of the Sith, Exar Kuun, from over 3,500 years before and is much alive in the Force.

"This is the beginning Leia, I feel it. Great things are coming. The Jedi Knights will rise again."

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Fatal Alliance - An Old Republic Novel -

Tassaa Bareesh, a matriarch in the Hutt crime cartel, is holding an auction that’s drawing attention from across the galaxy. Representatives of both the Republic and the Sith Empire are present, along with a Jedi Padawan sent to investigate, a disenfranchised trooper drummed out of the Republic’s elite Blackstar Squad, and a mysterious Mandalorian with a private agenda. But the Republic’s envoy is not what he seems. The Empire’s delegate is a ruthless Sith apprentice. The Jedi Padawan is determined to do the right thing and terrified that he can’t. The trooper hopes to redeem her reputation. And the Mandalorian is somehow managing to keep one step ahead of everyone.


None of these guests—invited or uninvited—have any intention of participating in the auction. Instead they plan to steal the prize, which is locked inside an impregnable vault, two burned chunks of an exploded star cruiser, one of which may hold the key to the wealth of an entire world.

But the truth about the treasure is dangerous and deadly. And in the end, Sith and Jedi, Republic and Empire, must do something they’ve never done before, something that all the agents of good and evil could never make them do: join together to stop a powerful threat that could destroy the galaxy...

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After months of anticipation and watching numerous trailers leading up to the new era in Star Wars, Fatal Alliance delivered a story that is one apart from any story told in the EU. Since all the hype of the Star Wars, the Old Republic MMORPG that I have bought into, I wanted more on those characters we are being introduced to. Fatal Alliance let us peak into some, but created new story lines to follow and potentially new events to look forward to in their stories.

The events of Fatal Alliance take place approximately 3 years after the Sacking of Coruscant (a little of that can be seen in the Deceived Trailer), and reference important events leading to the beginning, like the Sacking of Coruscant, Cold War, and Annexation of Kiffu which, after reading this story, make me look forward to much more in this era.

Sean Williams created this book with an extreme depth of detail and a lot of story lines running at the same time. It was extremely easy to follow with all these intertwining story lines. My two favorites where what we would consider potentially the light and dark side of the story, Jedi and Sith, although this was full of smuggler / politician / Mandalorian / Hutt Drama, in addition to the battle of the two sides of the Force.

All parties are lured to Hutta for an auction of a glorious find by the Smuggler Jet Nebula that could lead to the discovery of a completely new planet and a world full of new resources. The Kiffar Jedi Padawan Shigar Konshi is mixed in the middle of this struggle for the jewel that has the interest of the Republic and Empire and is acting as an ambassador of the Republic. Apprentice to the Grand Master Satele Shan, long descendant of Bastilla Shan from Knights of the Old Republic, her Padawan is struggling to earn his Knighthood and this is also a story about his journey. Shigar meets up with another Kiffar female that assists in his journey.

The Eldon Ax, Sith apprentice to Darth Chratis, she too is in a struggle for her own identity as well as a power struggle with her master. She will be faced with decisions that question her loyalties and values when faced with ghosts from her past. The Sith story line is very dark and very good!

The piece of technology and planet Sebbadon that everyone is after is nothing like anything in Star Wars to date. The droid technology is self reproducing and defending it self, as well as changing with the threats presented and the preservation of their selves. Empire, Republic, and the Mandalorians unite to battle an enemy that is set to destroy the Republic. I was fascinated by the story from beginning to end and look forward to more of The Old Republic

Like Obi-Wan said in Dexters Dinner, “Well, if droids could think, there'd be none of us here would there?”

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Darth Maul Saboteur - E Book -

On the distant planet Dorvalla, precious ore is mined by two competing companies: InterGalactic Ore and Lommite Limited. Neither rival suspects that they are central to a sinister plot masterminded by Darth Sidious, Lord of the Sith, himself.

Dispatched by Sidious on his very first solo mission, Darth Maul infiltrates Lommite Limited. There, his unique gifts of deception and subterfuge will set off an explosive chain of events that could destroy both companies, leaving them ripe for takeover by the Trade Federation. But a vengeful Lommite Limited Manager with his own thirst for retaliation against InterGal could blow Maul's cover — and all of Sidious's fiendishly laid plans…

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After I had first listened to the Audio book Shadow Hunter, I was super excited for purchasing Shadow Hunter and reading it again for this bonus E Book included in the mass market paperback.  I figured this would get more into the awesome character that was Darth Maul.  I was grossly disappointed.  Although this book was not terrible, it was short and left much more to be desired.  

James Luceno, awesome author of Cloak of Deception and Rise are the Dark Lord, wrote this 54 page novel which should have been included with Cloak of Deception.  This entire book took place before all the events on Dorvalla, and really set the stage for what would happen at Dorvalla.  This E book was mostly a trade dispute between two Ore companies, with Maul playing the saboteur of each company for the greater good of the Trade Federation, which leads to the beginning of the Cloak of Deception novel.  

This would not be a bad introduction to Cloak of Deception and should have been the included in that novel.  Not completely terrible, but bad placement to read with Shadow Hunter.  Fatal Alliance releases this week, prepare for some awesome Sith madness.

"Tell me what you regard as your greatest strength, so I will know how best to undermine you; tell me of your greatest fear, so I will know which I must force you to face; tell me what you cherish most, so I will know what to take from you; and tell me what you crave, so that I might deny you…"

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Darth Maul Shadow Hunter - Novel - Old Republic

After years of waiting in the shadows, Darth Sidious is taking the first step in his master plan to bring the Republic to its knees. Key to his scheme are the Neimoidians of the Trade Federation. Then one of his Neimoidian contacts disappears, and Sidious does not need his Force-honed instincts to suspect betrayal. He orders his apprentice, Darth Maul, to hunt the traitor down.


But he is too late. The secret has already passed into the hands of information broker Lorn Pavan, which places him right at the top of Darth Maul's hit list. Then, in the labyrinthine alleyways and sewers of Coruscant, capital city of the Republic, Lorn crosses paths with Darsha Assant, a Jedi Padawan on a mission to earn her Knighthood. Now the future of the Republic depends on Darsha and Lorn. But how can an untried Jedi and an ordinary man, stranger to the powerful ways of the Force, hope to triumph over one of the deadliest killers in the galaxy?

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Shadow Hunter is an extremely exciting novel that gives birth to the Episode 1.  It continues on the timeline of exactly where Cloak of Deception left of with the Trade Federations beginnings of the Blockade of Naboo.  Hath Monchar, Nemodian assistant of Nute Gunray, power hungery and driven by deceiving the Sith and his fellow Nemodians.  He plans to sell the plans of the upcoming Blockade of Naboo for his financial benefits.  When Sidious checks on his plans for the blockade, he fears the worst as one of the four Nemodians are missing from their meeting, and sends his Jedi hungry apprentice, Darth Maul, to stop the information from being released, and to "handle" the situation.

Lorn Pavan (previously blogged his legacy) and his droid counterpart I5YQ, or short I-Five are information brokers and in search of their next big score.  They end up mixing up with the Hath Monchar, and are setting up to purchase his holocron with the information regarding the Trade Federations plot over Naboo.  Their intentions are to sell the plans to Yantha the Hutt.

Darsha Assant (left), human female Jedi Padawan to Master Anoon Bondara, Twi-lek male (right), is on the verge of earning her title as Jedi Knight and has one task to earn that role after her many years of training.  She has to go into the Crimson Corridor, in the depths of Coruscants underworld to safely escort a witness in protection in an upcoming trial.  Darsha engages a journey where she doubts her force ability and her role as a Jedi.


Obi-Wan Kenobi also has a large part in this story although he is always a few steps behind the main story line and never quite catches up to Darsha, Lorn, or Maul; As Kenobi is sent to investigate the disappearance of Darsha and her Master.

Michael Reaves is genius with his portrayal of this story.  In Mauls pursuit for destroying Hath Monchar and the holocron, he is out witted by the unlikely Lorn Pavan and I-Five many times.  Lorn and I-Five have a relationship that is similar to if Han Solo was partnered with a Wookie / C-3PO combo.  But I-Five is no prissy protocol droid, removed of his creativity dampers and equipped with firearms, he is almost as deadly as a human assassin. Darsha and the human droid pair team up to elude the Sith through the bowels of Coruscant.  They serve as an unlikely pair due to Lorn's discuss for the Jedi Order.  This book has many turns and digs deep into the red and black tattooed Zabrak that is Darth Maul.  A ruthless, Jedi hating, failure not even an option, Sith apprentice is really bad ass through the entire book.  This book also includes the bonus, only previously available in E-Book format, Darth Maul - Saboteur, by James Luceno. 

There is no death; There is only the Force.

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Cloak of Deception - Novel - Old Republic

After a thousand generations of peace, the

Galactic Republic is crumbling. On Coruscant,

at the center of civilized space, greed and

corruption riddle the Senate, beyond even

the abilities of Supreme Chancellor Valorum

to remedy. And in the outlying systems, the

Trade Federation dominates the hyperlanes

with its gargantuan vessels.

But now even the Trade Federation finds

itself assailed from all quarters, preyed

upon by pirates and raiders, and victimized

by terrorists, who demand an end to the

Federation's tyrannical practices.

It is a time that tests the mettle of all

those who strive to hold the Republic

together—none more than the Jedi

Knights, who have long been the

Republic's best hope for preserving peace

and justice…

Mired in greed and corruption, tangled in bureaucracy, the Galactic Republic is crumbling. In the outlying systems, where the Trade Federation maintains a stranglehold on shipping routes, tensions are boiling over—and now even the comfort of Coruscant is being invaded, as Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn and his apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi foil an assassination attempt on Supreme Chancellor Valorum.


As humans and aliens gather for an emergency trade summit, conspiracies sealed with large sums of money run rampant, and no one is entirely above suspicion. But the greatest threat of all remains unknown to everyone except three members of the Trade Federation who have entered into a shadowy alliance with a dark overlord. While the trio will be content with more money and fewer problems, Darth Sidious has grander, far more terrifying plans.

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My second attempt at Cloak of Deception proved all the worthiness as James Luceno's prior novels.  Luceno brings depth to the apprenticeship of Obi-Wan Kenobi and the brilliance and wisdom of Qui-Gon Jinn.  Set prior to the events of the Trade Blockade of Naboo, this novel brings curiosity again to watch Phantom Menace and see the repercussions of these events.

Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are set investigating actions of the Nebula Front terrorist group around Outer Rim world Dorvalla.  Neimoidian Daultay Dofine Captain of the ship Revenue's mining actions on Dorvalla was unaware of the stown away Jedi.  After the invasion of the Revenue by Captain Cohl's Nebula Front, the Jedi are quick on the tail of Cohl, but eludes the Jedi after the Revenue explodes.

This novel politically plants the seeds for the birth of the Separatists.  Also including multiple assassination attempts on the Super Chancellor Valorum's life.  Senator Palpatine is also sowing the seeds of the ultimate destruction of the Old Republic, and is using Valorum as a puppet for his own interests.  There is much depth to the story and we journey with so many Jedi that are so untouched in the movies: Vergere (bird like humanoid), Yaddle (female of yoda's species), Oppo Ranscis (snake creature) and Even Piell (pink version of yoda).  We also witness the beginnings of Govenor Tarkin, and the beginning of the reigning Queen of Naboo.  If you are biased to the movie Phatom Menace, the adventure that is Cloak of Deception may change your views on the movie.

I know Phantom Menace is probably the most criticized Star Wars movie, but this novel made me appreciate a lot the movie and enjoy it in its entirety. 

"Qui-Gon Jinn was perhaps the greatest Jedi alive, a commanding presence at Council, a strong and brave warrior who refused to be intimidated by even the most daunting challenge, and a good and kind man."


Star Wars Hitchhiker

Crimson Empire - Audio Drama - New Republic

The explosive Star Wars saga continues! Crimson Empire introduces you to a new generation of space heroes and thrilling adventures!  This Audio Drama is an adaptation of the popular Crimson Empire comic book series.

As the story opens, the Empire's in turmoil; Luke Skywalker has destroyed the last of Emperor Palpatine's clones, and the Dark Lord Carnor Jax plans to seize the throne. But he has a formidable opponent to contend with: the brave Kir Kanos. The only survivor of the elite Crimson Guard, he alone stands between Jax and universal domination.

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Kir Kanos (right) a former Emperor's Red Guard is out for vengeance against the empire and former guard Carnor Jax.  Kanos started as a storm trooper but was recognized for his abilities and was brought to train with the elite to become an Emperor's Guard.  Kanos earned his position in a dual of fates against another guardsman.  He was permanently marked by Darth Vader, Kanos carries the scar a crossed his right eye from Vader's light saber.  Kanos is united with the New Republic on the Planet Phaeda, in his hunt for revenge.  He is offered sanctuary by Mirith Sinn who hopes to turn Kanos to the New Republic, but Kanos wants nothing of their rebellion.  Kanos and the New Republic are united by their common enemy but he is only after avenging the wrongful death of the Emperor he was sworn to serve.

Ruling in place of the recently killed Palpatine, Carnor Jax is establishing his new empire and one person stands in his way.  The sole living being that knows Jax's true secret is Kanos.  Kir Kanos is the only guardsman that witnessed Jax's treachery by sabotaging the remainder of Palpatines clones to destroy is chances of finding a new body after death.  This is Kanos's driving force to live and breathe, to avenge the death of the Emperor.

This audio drama completely follows the events of the ending of the Dark Empire Series.  Although lacking the main Star Wars characters, Crimson Empire introduces new members of the Star Wars EU.  This tale ventures deep in the history of the two Red Guards and their journey through the ranks of storm troopers to arch enemies.  The audio drama adaptation is shorter than any of the 6 movies and is an exciting adventure in the New Republic, with a few new faces (Sish Sadeet - Trandoshan - Left) and Mirith Sinn (Female on Right). 

"You have allowed this Dark Lord to twist your mind until now… until now, you have become the very thing you swore to destroy!"

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Empire's End - Dark Empire Finale - Audio Drama - New Republic

Emperor Palpatine has a new weapon -- one that can annihilate a planet. But he's not targeting a planet -- he's targeting the future of the Jedi, Leia's children. It looks like a hopeless situation for Luke Skywalker, who has the critical task of protecting the children. But it's not the first time Luke has found hope where none existed. The finale to the Dark Empire trilogy is collected here.

The Emperor is back and in a dual of fates against the Skywalker legacy.  The remnants of the Empire tests the New Republic in this final chapter of the Dark Empire.  The New Republics Pinnacle Base is destroyed by the Empire's new Galaxy Gun, and is now on target to destroy the New Republic home world.  Our favorite Astro-mech droid does that galaxy a great service with hands in the ultimate destruction of the Galaxy Gun.

With the slowly dying body of the Emperor deteriorating, he needs to find a new inhabitant for his mind to dwell and targets little baby Anakin Solo.  Han Solo show's he has a little bit more in common with his father in law than he truly believes, and a great friend from the clone wars makes the ultimate sacrifice of his life, to join the force, and forever destroy the Emperor Palpatine.

"This weapon can destroy a city… a landmass… or even an entire planet anywhere in the galaxy."

As Vader once said..... "Don't be too proud of this technological terror you've constructed. The ability to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force"

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Boba Fett Omnibus - Comics - Empire and New Republic Era

Who's the badest Bounty Hunter Man, who wears the armor of the Mandalorian????   FETT!!!  You're Damn Right!

Boba Fett, the most feared, most respected, and most loved bounty hunter in the galaxy now has all of his comics stories collected into one massive volume!

In these stories, Boba Fett gets caught between the Rebellion and the Empire; seeks a mysterious relic from a wrecked Star Destroyer; settles a diplomatic dispute — with extreme prejudice; takes part in a bounty-hunter free-for-all; fights Darth Vader; and even goes up against a Boba Fett imposter! There’s no job too deadly for the man in Mandalorian armor!

 

 

This isn't my first Omnibus nor the last but was very excited with the collection of Boba Fett.  The comics in this collection were good and not great.  I found myself in a few of the comics really lacking a good story and found following a few of the story lines a little rough.  Mostly filled with good stuff, this is very enjoyable and a must for anybody who wants to learn more about the other man behind the mask, and no....not even a sarlacc's pit can kill the galaxies most feared Bounty Hunter!
 

 

Enemy of the Empire - Before the events of A New Hope, Darth Vader employed the galaxy's greatest bounty hunter on a search-and-retrieval mission: Boba Fett must discover and return to Vader a single small box, the contents of which could change the fate of the galaxy. For such an important mission, Vader cannot rely on a single operative… nor can he allow that operative to walk away alive!

 

This comic collection was probably the best of the group and first chapter in the Omnibus. Darth Vader contracts Boba Fett to recover an item of his personal interest and ends up being betrayed by Fett and locked in battle with the ruthless Mandalorian. Some of the smaller characters were very lame, but the Fett and Vader fight was very cool. Little did Vader know, his adversary would later in life train Vader's grand daughter, the ways of the Jedi.....but that's for another time. Most enjoyable, best in the Omnibus.

 

 

 

 

 

Underworld: The Yavin Vassilika - Remember when Han Solo was still a scoundrel? Ah, the good ol' days.. A group of Hutts decide to place a wager to see who really carries the most weight throughout the Galactic Underworld. When it comes to setting a goal for this contest they decide to hire crews to seek out the fabled Yavin Vassilika - a legendary treasure which most sentient beings believe to be fictional. The best and brightest rogues of the Star Wars universe are recruited, and you won't want to miss it as Boba Fett, Han Solo, Chewbacca, Greedo, Lando, Dengar, and others team up and square off to decide who is the best scoundrel in the galaxy!

 

This collection was to very intense and got every bit of scum and slim of the Star Wars EU possible. From reading the AC Crispin Han Solo Trilogy, the events in this comic fit right in with the trilogy, it is an adapted story that played on those events, although did not have any effects from that series. A fun collection and was very entertaining, and wasn't just about Boba Fett.

 

 

Star Wars: Empire 7: Sacrifice - With the news of the destruction of the Death Star spreading throughout the galaxy, the Rebellion has grown bolder—and the Empire has cracked down harder. On a remote world, the struggle between self-rule and Imperial edict has erupted into a civil war that pits brother against brother. When the feared bounty hunter Boba Fett is dropped into the middle of the action, things really heat up! But with the Rebellion's forces consolidating, and the Imperial fleet on the way, which side will Fett support?

 

 

 

 

 

Star Wars: Empire 28: Wreckage - Boba Fett is on a mission. But this time his objective is not a person, but a thing: a holo-projector containing an irreplaceable recording. The one caveat is that the device is somewhere in the wreckage of a massive Star Destroyer, guarded by Imperial fighters and scheduled for destruction by the Empire to prevent any salvageable parts from falling into Rebel hands.


An impossible mission? Not for the greatest bounty hunter in the galaxy. Stormtroopers beware! Boba Fett is on a mission, and none had better stand between him and his prize!  This one was cool but the ending was pretty lame, read with my caution.....

Boba Fett: Overkill - Boba Fett rockets onto the scene with blasters blazing in this stand-alone story featuring the galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter taking on a dangerous contract that proves deadly for all involved!


Summoned to settle the score between two warring factions, Fett quickly shows his employers the importance of always choosing the right tool for the job, and the folly of underestimating just how much damage and chaos a single Mandalorian can inflict. Once unleashed, Fett's drive to finish the job is unshakable, and both groups quickly realize they’re dealing with a bigger and much deadlier mutual problem—one that must be stopped before it obliterates everything!
 
 

Boba Fett ½: Salvage - While en route to Coruscant, Slave I picked up a distress signal from a ZZ-class freighter, Mingula. The entire crew was dead. Boba took a prisoner, Tsumo, with him onboard the freighter. There was another prisoner in the hold named Chung. They found Volpau, third cousin of Emperor Palpatine, in a Death Casket with a royal amulet in it, and the dead crew with boils all over them. Ubuugan fleshborers came out of their bodies and attacked Fett and Tsumo. Tsumo was infected and died from the fleshborers.

Boba Fett: Twin Engines of Destruction - Boba Fett is the most feared, most respected bounty hunter in the galaxy. He only cares about two things: his money and his reputation. So when he discovers someone has been impersonating him, he decides to teach his inferior dopplegänger exactly why he's the most feared, most respected bounty hunter in the galaxy!


Dengar has a troubled meeting with Jodo Kast, a young bounty hunter who's becoming famous for his wearing a set of Mandalorian Armor, very similar to Boba Fett's. The Corellian bounty hunter contacts Boba Fett, informing him that his new "alter ego" is becoming a highly requested mercenary, thanks to his habit of pretending to be better then Fett himself. There can only be one Boba Fett.

 

 

Boba Fett: Bounty on Bar-Kooda - He is the one man who delivered Han Solo to both Darth Vader and Jabba the Hutt. Across the galaxy, the most-wanted criminals shudder at the mere mention of his name… Boba Fett!

Following the events of Dark Empire II, a Hutt's misguided affections lead to a death contract on a faraway planet. Hired by the Hutt, Boba Fett pursues an intergalactic magician who may hold the key to the Hutt's future. The fact that the magician has died only poses a slight problem for the bounty hunter, as not even the dead can escape from Boba Fett! I had the hardest time with this series of comics, it is an antique collection, probably one of the oldest made comics of Boba Fett but very hard to follow.
 
What is so great about these Omnibus's is what comics may be collectible or not in circulation, is collected in these Omnibus's.  A good read, 500+ pages of pure Fett.  The first quarter of the book is very good, the rest is a must for any Boba Fett fan.
 
Betrayed by Vader for the last time.....my journey begins.
 
Star Wars Hitchhiker

Dark Empire 2 - Audio Drama - New Republic

Six years after the fateful battle of Endor, Luke Skywalker discovered that the Emperor Palpatine had survived the battle by transferring his mind into the body of a clone. Lukes bold attempt to learn the Emperors secrets nearly ended in disaster for Luke and for the Rebel Alliance. But thanks to Luke's sister, Princess Leia-Solo and her husband Han Solo and other hero's of the Alliance, Luke was rescued, the Emperor himself was annihilated by Luke and Leia and the Empires terrible World Devastator Weapons were destroyed.

But the Emperors minions continue the war. An elite core of dark side warriors were authorized to put into action the Emperors master plan to take over the galaxy. Operation....Shadow Hand. Led by the Darkside executor Sedriss (right), these Dark Jedi initiated a series of assaults against the worlds in the galactic core. Sedriss first target is the weapons world of Balmorra. While Luke continues his search for other Jedi throughout the galaxy our story begins.....

Our journey starts with a violent confrontation with Kam Solusar(left), previous Jedi lost to the Darkside and converted minion of the Emperor. Luke see’s the good in Kam and while Kam lays down his life for failure, Luke grants him his life back to serving the Light side of the Force. Gov Beltain of Balmorra is engaged in a heated battle with the remnants of the Empire, and has a deceitful plan to destroy the Empires Shadow Droids. – Dead Imperial Ace Pilots turned into Droids. He unveils his Viper Obtomindons sold to empire and unleashes a plan with Mon Mothma for the New Republics interception.

Leia and Han head back to Nar Shadda to find Vima Debota to help bring back the Jedi Order. Boba Fett is summoned to assist the Empire, but ends up unleashing his fury on dark side warriors when they attempt to render his services for free, and unmask the Mandalorian. We also see the beginnings of another smuggler that assists the Alliance and walks out in the time of trouble, but this isn’t the first time a smuggler tried to walk out on the Alliance.

Luke and Kam after accessing the Emperors stolen Jedi Holocron, tap into knowledge over a 4 millennia old and embark on a mission to Ossus, to gain more Jedi knowledge and history. They encounter a lost civilization, destroyed by the Sith wars over 4,000 years ago, and meet a planet full of force users, very untrained. They have a deadly encounter with Executor Sedriss and receive the aid of the dead Jedi Master Ood (left), who ended his life and turned into the great tree and great source of the planets power 4000 years ago. (That story is told in the Tales of the Jedi Omnibus) Fates will be met and heroes will be made, as the Emperor again returns……


Many may forget its name, but the force will never die….

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Always in motion, the future is......and it looks good!

As E3 has been revealing the latest in video games and technology, Star Wars has some very exciting new news. 

The Force Unleashed II - Trailer has a new Epic trailer, that will leave you wanting a popcorn, a glass of water, and the video game, NOW!  Starkiller is back, and is being betrayed by Darth Vader.....my only complaint is again, the clones, the most common used form of technology in the Star Wars Expanded Universe.  Enjoy this trailer, and scroll down for an even greater video for The Old Republic MMORPG to be released later this year.




THE OLD REPUBLIC -

Dated before the Deceived Trailer Released last year, the Sacking of Coruscant, peaceful Alderaan is under siege of the Sith Empire.  We see the bond that is formed with trooper and Jedi against the relentless battle against the Sith.  If they would turn this story line into a series of movies, or a TV series, it would possibly be more popular than the original movies.  George, please answer my calls and emails, we need more movies, and movies like this!!!!



There are also some very cool books on the horizon. 

Old Republic Era - Deceived Novel - 12-28-2010 - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Old_Republic:_Deceived


Old Republic Era - Fatal Alliance Novel - 7-20-2010 http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Star_Wars:_The_Old_Republic:_Fatal_Alliance

Old Republic Era - Knights Errant (Novel and Comic) Feb - 2011 - In the Darth Bane Era, this sounds great! - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Knight_Errant_(novel)

Empire Era - The Force Unleashed 2 - 10-5-2010 - http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/The_Force_Unleashed_II_(novel)

I've been way behind with updating the blog with all my school work, I've got 5 new ones finished and want to update, so look for some good stuff in the future, my padawan learners......

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Dark Empire - Audio Drama - New Republic

Six years after the Battle of Endor (from Return of the Jedi), the fight for freedom rages on. While Luke Skywalker delves deeper into the mysteries of the Force, Han Solo and Princess Leia, now married, struggle to protect their twin children from danger. Darth Vader is dead, but a reborn Empire—guided by a mysterious new leader—strikes back against the Rebel Alliance. But the Rebels discover that their greatest foe may be their closest friend: Luke Skywalker!

The Dark Empire audio drama was a full cast audio adaption of Dark Horse Comics' Dark Empire comic book series. It was adapted by John Whitman from the source material by Tom Veitch. It was directed by Arthur G. Insana and featured parts of composer John Williams's classic score along with authentic stereo sound effects.

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This 3 part series is so easy to get into even without reading any of the prior novels.  These events take place six years after the "death" of Emperor Palpatine and the destruction of the second death star.  Luke Skywalker is drawn to a mysterious yet familiar feeling in the force.  While Luke is being seduced by the Dark Side, Leia, Han and company go back to Nar Shadda for some unfinished business and end up in the grasps of slew bounty hunters along with arch enemy, Boba Fett.

The Emperor still lives strong as he mastered the ability to transfer his self in death to another life form, and before his death over Endor, he transferred to one of his clones......again with the clones!  That was my only gripe about these audio drama's.  In Luke's curiosity in the Dark Side, and the pursuit for the knowledge of what destroyed his father Anakin and turned him the Dark Lord Darth Vader, Luke finds himself on a familiar path of destruction and controlling what is left of the Empire.

When turning back from the power of the Dark Side, Luke finds he does not have the power with in to turn back to the light, and will need the help of another powerful Jedi to remove the embrace of the dark side, and destroy the Emperor and his clones, once and for all.  Luke must be rescued and tempt not to destroy the New Republic while under the Emperors spell, the New Republic seeks to find Luke on the Emperors Citidal on his private planet of Byss.

These audio dramas are no longer than the movies and are all in familiar places and really easy to follow.  With the great cast playing the roles, sound effects and usage of some of the original movie scores, this will not let down and full time or part time Star Wars Fan.  Adapted from the comic series, these should be able to be enjoyed by all audiences.

I find your lack of faith disturbing..............

Star Wars Hitchhiker

X-wing: Isard's Revenge - Book 8 X-Wing Series - Novel

Sleek, swift, and deadly, the famed X-wing fighters have earned their reputation as the Rebel Alliance's ultimate strike force the hard way first in battle, the last line of defense. Now they must make a deal with the devil herself—an enemy whose ultimate goal is their total annihilation.


It's the kind of mission only Wedge Antilles and the Rogue Squadron would dare to undertake. Against impossible odds they will stage a daring raid into an enemy stronghold only to be rescued from certain destruction by an unexpected ally. Ysanne Isard, the ruthless Imperial commander, has appeared on the scene seemingly from out of nowhere. Now she proposes a most unusual alliance, offering to help Wedge rescue his captured comrades from Imperial Warlord Admiral Krennel's sadistic prison camp. But her offer is not without a price. Wedge must lead Rogue Squadron in Isard's deadly struggle against an enemy made in her own image. It's an offer Wedge would love to refuse, for Isard is certain to betray them. But how can they leave their comrades at Krennel's mercy? The answer is: they can't—even if it means being caught between Krennel's ruthlessness and Isard's treachery.

Isard's Revenge, the 8th book in the X-Wing Series was better than the 7 predecessors of the series, but failed to captivate where other Star Wars Novels have.  Clone, Clones, Clones are becoming a commonly used plot, and it is wearing very thin based on its usages.  The thought to be destroyed Ysanne Isard is resurrected from the dead....but we find out no she was not killed in the prior novels, it was a clone of her that was supposedly destroyed, but the clone lived, and there were now double Isard trouble.  These novels use warlord characters as the basis of the enemies of the New Republic and rulers of what is left of the empire, but they lack the evil, sinister foes that we are used to in the Sith used in the prior novels and movies.

Isard's Revenge was a step up from the other X-Wing Novels but you may want to skip straight to the Jedi Academy series if you are looking for a real thrilling novel.  More updates soon, lots of school work is killing my hitchhiking!

Mind your feelings, your thoughts betray you.......

Star Wars Hitchhiker

The Last Command - Thrawn Trilogy Book 3 (final of series) - Novel

Heir to the Empire was a number-one New York Times bestseller and the science fiction publishing event of the year. Dark Force Rising continued the gripping new adventures of Luke Skywalker, Princess Leia, Han Solo, and the other heroes of the most popular trilogy in movie history. Now the saga concludes with The Last Command.

It is five years after the events of Return of the Jedi. The fragile New Republic reels from the attacks of Grand Admiral Thrawn, who has not only rallied the remaining Imperial forces, but has driven the rebels back with an abominable new technology: clone soldiers.

Hopes are dim as Thrawn mounts a final siege against the Republic. While Han and Chewbacca struggle to form a wary alliance of smugglers in a last-ditch attack against the Empire, Leia keeps the Alliance together and prepares for the birth of her Jedi twins. But the Empire has too many ships and too many clones to combat. The Republic's only hope lies in sending a small force, led by Luke, into the very stronghold that houses Thrawn's terrible cloning machines.

There a final danger awaits. The Dark Jedi C'baoth schemes in his secret fortress, directing the battle against the rebels, nursing his insanity, and building his strength to finish what he had already started—the destruction of Luke Skywalker.

An odyssey of fast-paced action, stunning revelation, and final confrontation, The Last Command spans a galaxy in flames—a tale that will conclude in this third and last installment as Good and Evil battle "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away…"

Finished it finally is, the Thrawn Trilogy I've heard so talked about among fellow Star Wars enthusiast.  I was most happy with the finally of this series.  No, not because it was over but the beginning of new stories.  The finale with estranged clone Jedi Master C'baoth, the bond that is formed between Mara Jade and Luke, and the killing of Luke Skywalker. 

Mara Jade kills Luke Skywalker in the Last Command.....how?  Its the clones.  I've been noticing a trend in the Star Wars Universe, since the Clone Wars TV Series, Cloned Jedi Master, Cloned Luke Skywalker (from his dismembered hand during his battle with Vader), clone of the War Lord Isard, and what I never thought I would see a Cloned Palpatine.  Watch for it in Dark Empire, a Cloned Palpatine.  The Star Wars EU has been thriving on the idea of Cloning, and its pretty cool, but its starting to sound like a broken record, but its still cool.

I really enjoyed the finale and I won't divulge to much but it was incredible to me the reuniting with Luke's original Light Saber, Anakin Skywalkers Original Light Saber that Luke used in his battle on Cloud City against Vader, and the beginning of Mara Jade and her transition from Emperors Hand to joining the New Republic and embarking on her journey as a Jedi.  Luke gives Mara what could be his most priceless possession and invites her to begin her Jedi Training.

Always changing, the future is!

Star Wars Hitchhiker

Death Trap - Episode 20 - The Clone Wars Season 2

Who my father was matters less than my memory of him 

Calm before the storm! A rare and welcome respite from endless battle awaits Jedi Knights Anakin Skywalker and Mace Windu as they travel through deep space aboard the Jedi cruiser Endurance.  Preparing to rendezvous with a Republic frigate, the Jedi remain unaware of a deadly peril lying hidden in their midst....

After all the hype of Boba coming back, I have to tell you I'm so pumped for next week and watching Death Trap again right now!  Our first look at Boba since holding the helmet of his recently beheaded father.  Boba is touring the Republic Battle Cruiser Endurance with a team of other training troopers.  Boba's Clone Nickname?  Lucky.  He begins the episode sabotaging Mace's quarters with a motion sensor bomb, that would have killed Mace, but was triggered by another helpless victim.  Boba is aided by Bounty Hunter Aurra Sing as well as Bossk the Trandoshan from Empire Strikes Back.  You can tell Boba has a hard time with turning his back on his "brothers" as well as the grown up Clones, which unmasked appear to look just like his father.  

Aurra Sing is finally on screen, you may have seen her for 5 seconds in Phantom Menace hiding in the cliffs during the pod race, but I'm so happy to see her bad ass being used more than just the comics and in Coruscant Nights II.  She appears to be the authority figure to Boba and is pushing all his buttons and helping fulfill his to be destiny as the Galaxy's most ruthless bounty hunter and future Mandalore.  Aurra is a cut throat force to be reckoned with, and has killed her fair share of Jedi's.  Aurra was a Jedi Padawan Learner, until at age 9 she was kidnapped by pirate's (we'll see how much of that is shown in the Clone Wars of her Force Sensibility).

Next week promises to blow the mind!  1 hour long season finale.  The story is to good to go into any more detail,watch it Saturday morning, or Monday on www.starwars.com

Star Wars Hitchhiker

The Zillo Beast Strikes Back - The Clone Wars Season 2 Episode 19

The most dangerous beast is the beast within.

A calculated risk! Following a costly victory on the planet Malastare, Chancellor Palpatine orders Jedi Knights Mace Windu and Anakin Skywalker to transport a fearsome Zillo beast captured during the battle Back to Coruscant.

After seeing that not even a lightsaber could harm the beast, Chancellor Palpatine hopes to unlock the secret of its invulnerability to create new armor for the Republic's clone troopers. Tensions run high as the most dangerous life form in the galaxy touches down on its most populous planet....

A great back to basics Clone Wars Episode.  I love the appearances of the characters you only get to know by vering away from the Movies.  Aayla Secura is one of my favorite female Jedi's that never gets the appearances she deserves, you see bits and pieces of her is Episode 2 & 3, along with a very sad display of her death during the Order 66 execution on Felucia.  She has a great back ground with multiple Jedi Masters, one turning to the dark side, and is a strong Twi'lek role model, because the species is commonly perceived in the EU as, well lets just say "Eye Candy".  The Hilary Clinton of Star Wars, but with alot less clothes!

Zillo Beast Strikes back explored the strong feelings Mace has for leaving the beast alone and take it to another planet, but Palpatine has other idea's.  We see his plot unfold at the end of this episode, but not before the fury of the Beast is Unleashed on Coruscant.  Anakin, Mace, Aayla, Obi-Wan, and Yoda have their hands full, as well as another assist by the Astro-Mech Droid we all owe our servo's too!  Enjoy the Zillo Beast Strikes Back, available to watch at http://www.starwars.com/ .

Star Wars Hitchhiker