Before the Storm (Star Wars: The Black Fleet Crisis, Book 1) Review

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(More customer reviews)How do you rate the first book? Well, since this is a trilogy, and I've read enough of them to know better, I expected the majority of the first book to be spent laying the groundwork for the next two.
That is exactly what we got. It isn't until the 100th page or so, that anything that could be considered action occurs (Other than the opening sequence, which takes place on N'Zoth, a few months after the Battle of Endor). This is not say, however, that the events leading up to it aren't interesting. They are, but only if you are interested in political manipulation, and I happen to be.
The story moves along quite well, only bogging down in extreme technical jargon for very short periods. The Yevetha are a fascinating species. Their culture, or lack of one, is based entirely on submission of the weak to the strong. The males of lower station are expected to offer their lives to the upper class, on the spot. Nil Spaar is very well defined, and is quite interesting.
The sub-plots concerning Luke and Lando are difficult at first, but are more interesting as the stories develop. As for the complaints that Lando's story has nothing to with the major line, so what? Why does everything have to tie in completely?
I did find Leia's apparent weaknesses of not wanting to insult a bit tedious at times. She seems to be more of the politician, and less of the fiery rebel here. Then again, this does take place 12 years after Endor.
Luke's behavior is odd at times also. I wonder if it has more to do with the influence of his companion, rather than the author not knowing the universe. The introduction of the White Current is a bit of stretch. It is probably more a variation of the the use of the Force than anything else.
I've read reviews of people who hated the trilogy, and, quite frankly, I can see their points. These books are not for people who crave mindless action, and are not interested in sinking in to the story. The most accurate analogy is the Tom Clancy one. If you're a fan of Clancy, or a fan of Star Wars for the story and intrigue, you will enjoy this series. If you're a fan of Star Wars for the action and nifty special effects, you will not like this trilogy.

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