Tag Archives: Kevin Anderson

Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Jedi Search: Book 1

  By Ani Fardreamer | August 3, 2012 - 10:18 am | , ,
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Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Jedi Search: Book 1

by Kevin Anderson

After seeing Kevin Anderson rescue the Callista Trilogy from Barbara Hambly in his book Darksaber, I was ready to read Jedi Search. And what a pleasure it was to read. I now place Kevin Anderson up there with my favorite Star Wars authors, Timothy Zahn, Steve Perry, and Troy Denning.

I loved Jedi Search. I’ve been reading stories that take place after The Jedi Academy Trilogy and missed out on some of the references. This book (and I’m sure the rest of the trilogy) really filled me in. It introduces Kyp Durron, who is referenced so many times in future stories. I can see why, because he’s a great character. Luke, Leia and Han all have interesting roles. We get to see the twins’ reintroduction into Han and Leia’s lives. What realism there is in the interactions of all the family members, including Luke’s role as uncle and Leia’s being mom. The kids really act as kids would. How cute!

I sense that Luke, with all he’s been through, is still and maybe always will be a little naive — always believing in the good in people. Although I haven’t read the rest of the trilogy, there is foreboding, and I’m glad that Kevin Anderson has kept with the character, as I think that is how it should be for Luke.

I know there is great concern about the storyline with another weapon of mass destruction, but I much prefer that over metalmastiff and entechment. The rest of the story was wonderfully written. I finally get to see what the deal over the spice mines of Kessel was. What an interesting story we get from that. And the Maw. That pops up over and over again in other books and now I know why. Wow.

Of all the Star Wars authors, I think Kevin Anderson excels best at action sequences and battle scenes. Whereas my eyes normally glaze over and I file those sections under “battle scene” and move on, I can actually visualize every detail of what’s happening in Jedi Search with ease. I don’t think I’ve ever read scenes like those with such clarity. I was so fully immersed, it was real, I could feel everything. What a moving experience. If you like action sequences, there’s plenty here that’s done well.

If you are working your way through the Star Wars Universe, this is a definite must read book. So much of it is referenced in other books. I didn’t know how much I was missing until I read it. But read not just for “historical” content, read it because it is a genuinely good book.

MTFBWY

Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Dark Apprentice: Book 2

  By Ani Fardreamer | August 1, 2012 - 4:31 pm | , ,
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Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Dark Apprentice: Book 2

by Kevin Anderson

I was a little disappointed with Dark Apprentice especially after having read Jedi Search. I expected so much more.

Luke starts his Jedi Academy. He’s a little unsure of himself, as I would expect him to be. After all, he’s never taught anyone before. The problem I think is he appears to be weaker than his students, who hadn’t been studying under him for very long. In choosing his students, he makes no attempt to weed out those who might cross over to the dark side. Perhaps it is his inexperience. He doesn’t seem to use the Force as well as he should, not sensing the future nor the potential for one of his students to be a loose canon. He only has an inkling of the darkness surrounding him. Considering Yoda couldn’t sense Palpatine right under his nose, maybe this is how it is. I just didn’t expect him to be overpowered so quickly and unexpectedly. Where’s the Force, Luke?

The twins were so cute in Jedi Search. Here, they were not as believable. Still just two years old, they get lost in the city’s underworld, escape from being eaten by using the Force and then are rescued by homeless people. The rescuer brings them home using the vent system that went straight to their apartment. Surely, security for the Minister of State’s family would be better than that.

There is a lot of controversy about Daala. In fact, I think she is one character done right. Most readers misunderstand her. Yes, she thinks she’s the greatest tactician. Tarkin wanted to think she’s the greatest tactician. Just because they believe it, doesn’t mean it’s true. She might be good with theory, but she never ever manages any battle well — in any book. Maybe that’s why they tucked her away in the Maw. She really did sleep her way to the top. No one will admit it, but every author knows it, so that’s how it’s written. I give props to Kevin Anderson for showing what a complete idiot she is.

I’m still holding out for the conclusion of this trilogy. It has a lot of potential.

Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Champions of the Force: Book 3

  By admin | July 28, 2012 - 9:14 pm | , ,
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Star Wars: The Jedi Academy: Champions of the Force: Book 3

by Kevin Anderson

When Kevin Anderson is on the ball, his books can be very good. I enjoyed Jedi Search but Champions of the Force didn’t quite measure up. I wanted to like it much more than I did, but there were just too many problems with the story.

What little two year-old Jacen did with a lightsaber and Uncle Luke’s spirit’s help was . . . . You won’t believe it.

What the Council did with the person who murdered billions of lives was . . . well he was surrounded by security, and next thing you know . . . . You won’t believe it.

Now Luke always believes in the good in people. If he can see the good in Vader, he can see the good in anyone. Leia, she’s a little more sophisticated. But on the word of her brother, she was willing to convince the Council to let the murderer . . . . You won’t believe it.

And with the Deathstar prototype blasting a moon to bits, Lando is worried not about fate of the galaxy (remember, Lando, why you destroyed the second Deathstar?). No, he’s worried about protecting his investment in the spice mines! Right decision, wrong motivation.

Tol Sivron and his comrades are a parody of corporate management, but parodies don’t belong in Star Wars. It’s completely out of place. It yanks me right back out into reality whenever he needs to consult the manuals or calls a meeting in the middle of a battle. I don’t care if he’s never led a battle before. I never have, either, but I wouldn’t have done it like that! Umm, yeah, I know it was supposed to be funny.

I do actually like it when authors reference the movies or past books, but Anderson went a little too far this time when he parallels the old movies so closely, like the old cave scene with Luke and Yoda. Yes, Luke would have tried to replicate some of Yoda’s teachings. That is all he knows, but to nearly duplicate the scene and the dialogue? It happens too often here.

The one thing I did find believable was the interaction between Lando and Mara. Lando is in character all the way and Mara is portrayed just as Timothy Zahn would have made her. He’s suave, trying to impress her. She’s tough as nails.

I’m a little disappointed, because Jedi Search was good and I was expecting so much more from the end of the trilogy. I do like Kevin Anderson’s style, but the story needed a little more work.