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