Showing posts with label jedi academy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label jedi academy. Show all posts

9/29/2012

The Shadow Academy (Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights, Book 2) Review

The Shadow Academy (Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights, Book 2)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am not a big hater of Mr. Anderson like a lot of people are. These were written to a younger audience and he achieved it. They are still interesting and these stories play a big part in the following books. I would recommend this book to Star Wars fans young and old. I'm sorry I waited to read these but it makes them more interesting knowing what happens to them later.

Click Here to see more reviews about: The Shadow Academy (Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights, Book 2)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about The Shadow Academy (Star Wars: Young Jedi Knights, Book 2)

Read More...

6/28/2012

Star Wars Jedi Academy Trilogy (Champions of the Force, Dark Apprentice, and Jedi Search) Review

Star Wars Jedi Academy Trilogy (Champions of the Force, Dark Apprentice, and Jedi Search)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Thrawn Trilogy is a tough act to follow, but Kevin J. Anderson's action packed Jedi Academy Trilogy demands respect. Just read it! Anderson introduces a collection of new characters, takes the reader to a myriad of planets across the star wars galaxy, and fills the pages with endless action. It is well written, exciting, and memorable. I was almost sad to finish it. Anderson's trilogy is another tough act to follow.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Star Wars Jedi Academy Trilogy (Champions of the Force, Dark Apprentice, and Jedi Search)



Buy Now

Click here for more information about Star Wars Jedi Academy Trilogy (Champions of the Force, Dark Apprentice, and Jedi Search)

Read More...

1/26/2012

Dark Apprentice (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 2) Review

Dark Apprentice (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 2)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I can't say that I was particularly pleased with the first book in this trilogy, Jedi Search. However, this fact did not stop me frombeing even less pleased with the second entry into the series. Once again, we are treated to a lengthy series of escapades involving incompetant Imperials, grandoise superweapons and, of course, the omnipotent Jedi. Why did I read this series?
I'll start with the Imperials, more specifically Daala. Somehow, despite all the build up Anderson gave her, she manages to come off as little more than a cartoon villian, who dreams up wild plots, pats herself of the back for her supposed cleverness, and then fails miserably. If I wanted to see this type of character, I would turn on a children's cartoon! On a side note, the original idea behind Daala seems a little derivitive of Thrawn (character whose brilliance allows him/her to overcome a prejudiced environment). Sadly, unlike Thrawn, Daala is never able to live up to her reputation.
What the heck is up with the suncrusher? I could live with the Death Star (it was a very original idea the first time). Heck, I can tollerate a second Death Star. However, taking basically the same concept and going one better with it (we destroy stars now, instead of planets) pushes my limit. Especially when said weapon is invencible (it survives supernovas) and has the manueverability of a TIE fighter. Death Star? Who needs it? We can wipe out entire star systems with this little number. And, for good measure, its utterly indestructable. (Of course, we can't have such a weapon in Imperial hands. So, naturally, the rebels somehow get a hold of it. Go figure.)
Kyp. I rarely hate characters in Star Wars (why waste hatred on people who don't exist?), but Kyp annoyed me terribly. A brazen young hotshot whose limitless power in the force (conviently overlooked by the Empire) seems to me to be little more than a testiment to Anderson's ego, demonstarting that he can create a seemingly allmighty character.
Oh well. I shouldn't complain TOO much, since I honestly enjoy writing rants more than pleasent reviews (where's the fun in just saying nice things about a book?). Still, I can think of better ways to spend one's time, such as reading The Thrawn Trillogy, or The Hand of Thrawn. It is a free country, so I therefore conclude by saying that you are, as always, entitled to form your own opinions.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Dark Apprentice (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 2)

As the New Republic takes devastating losses in the ongoingwar with the scattered remnants of the Empire, the galaxy's future depends on three small children -- among them the Jedi twins -- born to incredible powers and perils, as an extraordinary new saga unfolds... While the New Republic struggles to decide what to do with the deadly Sun Crusher -- a new doomsday weapon stolen from the Empire by Han Solo -- the renegade Imperial Admiral Daala uses her fleet of Star Destroyers to conduct guerrilla warfare on peaceful planets. And now she threatens the watery homeworld of Admiral Ackbar. But as the battle for a planet rages, an even greater danger emerges at Luke Skywalker's Jedi academy. A brilliant student delves dangerously into the dark side of the Force and unleashes the spirit of an ancient master of the evil order that warped Darth Vader himself. Working together, they may become an enemy greater than the New Republic has ever fought... more powerful than even a Jedi Master can face.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Dark Apprentice (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 2)

Read More...

1/25/2012

Jedi Academy Training Manual (Star Wars Roleplaying Game) Review

Jedi Academy Training Manual (Star Wars Roleplaying Game)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
This is book is perfect for those who are playing force users. It is obviously not for someone who is not a Jedi or the like.
The part I found the most impressive was the new Techniques and Force Powers. There are dozens of new Force Techniques for Jedi Knight level characters that enable them to capitalize on a combat form they may have chosen in the their first Jedi Knight level. These new Techniques allow some pretty fancy moves in combat and they are even more powerful if you have a specific fighting style. The new Force Powers are amazing as well. There are quite a few that I had just had to have for my character.
The book also expounds greatly on other Force using traditions other than the Jedi and Sith (though there is plenty on them too). There is also a chapter filled with characters from the movies and expanded universe like Corran Horn, all your favorites from Tales of the Jedi(the Qel-Dromas, Arca, Nomi Sunrider etc), a level 20 Jedi Grand Master Luke Skywalker, and even computer game hero Kyle Katarn. The bad guys get a chapter which includes a lot of EU guys and a section of Sith monsters.
The equipment section is lacking a bit, but that only makes sense I think. There are only so many types of lightsabers out there(there are about a dozen in this book though. The best equipment is the exhaustive list of lightsaber crystals.
There are no new prestige classes which I found a little odd.
There is gazetteer section like in the other books with places like Yavin 4, Ruusan, Dantooine, Ossus, Dxun, and Korriban.
Now, to address some of the complaints listed in other reviews. Someone was complaining about it being light. Well, the same person would probably complain about filler if it was too heavy. The 160 pages are packed all with good stuff that a DM or player can use. And, to it not being a stand-alone campaign setting like KotOR; it's not meant to be. It's essentially the Complete Jedi book (like the Complete Mage or Complete Divine DnD books). It's meant to help specialize a class and really make a unique character. Though, I most certainly agree with going to a store first looking through it to see if you want/need it. That's just smart shopping.
In short, it is a great book for anyone who wants to have beyond a core rule book Jedi! It is wonderful for players who want something special or for DMs who want some interesting enemies, allies, and settings for the players.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jedi Academy Training Manual (Star Wars Roleplaying Game)

"So, you wish to learn the ways of the Force..."Written as the ultimate Jedi training manual, The Jedi Academy: Training Manual game supplement reveals the secrets of the Jedi across all eras of the Star Wars saga, from the earliest days of the Old Republic to the Dark Times and the reemergence of the Jedi Order after the fall of the Galactic Empire. It gives players exciting new talents, feats, Force powers, and equipment for their Jedi characters. It also elaborates on the known Jedi fighting styles and provides new ways to build your character around a particular fighting style.

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Jedi Academy Training Manual (Star Wars Roleplaying Game)

Read More...

11/14/2011

Champions of the Force (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 3) Review

Champions of the Force (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 3)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I'm a Star Wars maniac, pure and true, and this book I would not have finished if it weren't for my devotion. I didn't read the rest of the trilogy, and talking to a friend who had, I found out I didn't need to. The story just went in a hundred different directions all at once, which in the beginning was captivating--many Star Wars novels have done this-- but what really turned my attention off was the fact the conflicts--Mon Mothma's disease, Kyp going completely insane and blowing things up, Lukes illness, Anakin's kidnapping, and so on and so forth-- never had anything to do with each other. It was just like the writer, Anderson, said, "Okay, let's write about the everyday lives of some well-known Star Wars characters in a completely random way for no apparent reason in the form of a trilogy." All the plot line really did was run around in little circles over, and over, and over, and over, and over again like hamsters on an exercize wheel. And the ending was really abrupt, like "Blah, blah, everything's going terrible for our heroes, but the book is ending, so we'll just say that everybody lives happily ever after, shall we? Alrighty then-- this and this and this happened, The End!" Whoopie. Absolutely "edge-of-you-seat", gripping, climatic, and altogether totally NOT. Then there are the not-so-small nits; General Garm Bel Iblis's last name is spelled, well, Bel Iblis. In COTF, though, his name is mispelled Bel-Iblis. Then there's the Threkin Horm, whose name is mispelled BIG TIME in COTF as Hrekin Thorm. What in all the worlds is UP WITH THAT?! Then, we have the fact that just about every quote is ended in "!". So I plan to do the same, from here on! I'll write every sentance with over-exaggerating exclamation points! We'll see just how ANNOYING this can get! Finally, that little speech made by Leia in the jadi temple was sappy! That's it; just plain-old sappy! It wouldn't happen, I guarente it! Well, at least the cover art was good! My final word to buyers: don't! Read the Thrawn trilogy instead, and if you've finished, then READ 'EM AGAIN! They're good! And if you really must know what happens in this time period, then read I, JEDI! I think I have made my point with the exclamation marks, haven't I?! I think so! Cya'll!
Ps! Sorry about all the bashing here! I really am a cruel critic here, aren't I?!

Click Here to see more reviews about: Champions of the Force (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 3)

Suspended helplessly between life and death, Luke Skywalker lies in state at the Jedi academy. But on the spirit plane, Luke fights desperately for survival, reaching out physically to the Jedi twins. At the same time, Leia is on a life-and-death mission of her own, a race against Imperial agents hoping to destroy a third Jedi child -- Leia and Han's baby Anakin -- hidden on the planet Anoth. Meanwhile, Luke's former protÚgÚ Kyp Durron has pirated the deadly Sun Crusher on an apocalyptic mission of mass destruction, convinced he is fighting for a just cause. Hunting down the rogue warrior, Han must persuade Kyp to renounce his dark crusade and regain his lost honor. To do it, Kyp must take the Sun Crusher on a suicide mission against the awesome Death Star prototype -- a battle Han knows they may be unable to win... even with Luke Skywalker at their side!

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Champions of the Force (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 3)

Read More...

10/26/2011

Jedi Search (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 1) Review

Jedi Search (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 1)
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
The Jedi Academy trilogy was the first major effort to follow the outstanding-beyond-words Timothy Zahn trilogy that relaunched the Star Wars frenzy in the early 90s. As such, Kevin Anderson had a VERY tough act to follow and there is inevitably a bit of a let down for readers coming straight from the Zahn books. That said, Anderson is a pretty decent author who does a good job keeping the books exciting with interesting story lines and good action scenes. So if you're looking for an entertaining way to pass some time, read no further - this book is for you.
But unfortunately, Anderson also had to contend with another hurdle other than following in Zahn's footsteps. Lucasfilm has a policy that all Star Wars spinoff literature has to be consistent and not contradict each other. This meant that when Anderson was almost done with his first drafts, he was suddenly informed that he had to make his story fit in with the a comic book just release by Darkhorse - the rediculously implausible "Dark Empire." This means that Anderson had to rewrite into his story crazy stuff like the emperor getting resurrected and Luke turning to the dark side. This has gone on to become a weakness of the whole series - whenever an author makes a mistake and includes something stupid in a book or comic, it becomes canon and every other author has to accept it. Over time the series has less and less like Star Wars and more and more like an independent separate universe.
The Jedi Academy trilogy was the first of these books that didn't quite feel like Star Wars. Zahn was the only one not constrained by these requirements since he was first, and consequently, his original trilogy is the most internally consistent and the most Star Wars in feel. Anderson's books and a few of the later books might be worth reading, but be warned that they may put you on a path to the Dark Side.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Jedi Search (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 1)

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 Hans 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...

Buy Now

Click here for more information about Jedi Search (Star Wars: The Jedi Academy Trilogy, Vol. 1)

Read More...

9/16/2011

Star Wars: Blood Ties - A Tale of Jango and Boba Fett Review

Star Wars: Blood Ties - A Tale of Jango and Boba Fett
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
I am the editor in chief of a science fiction-oriented website, and I absolutely loved this comic. In order to give it the recognition it deserves, I'm posting my site's review of issue #1 of this trade below. Do know that the issues in the rest of the trade uphold the quality evident in the first. If you love Star Wars, and especially if you love Boba Fett, you will love Star Wars: Blood Ties. My review of issue #1:
Star Wars: Blood Ties is based on an interesting premise -- the observation that in the Star Wars universe, "Wars have been fought, governments have fallen, or tragedy has been averted because of one character's blood relation with another." This series takes that approach to analyzing Jango and Boba Fett. This is a father/clone relationship that definitely has its peculiarities and that can serve not only to reveal some of who the two characters are as they relate to the rest of the Star Wars canon but also how strongly even the most cold-blooded individuals can feel a blood bond with another. This debut issue kicks things off with Count Dooku sending the duo on what seems to be a generic assassination job, but it ends with perhaps the only kind of twist that could ever trip up the infamous Jango.
Writer Tom Taylor does a superb job of making Jango's tough love on Boba never feel like anything other than love (though Jango would probably never admit that himself). Even when he straps a jetpack on Boba, sprays him with a scent that attracts a monstrous dragon-like creature, orders him to take one of its teeth, and goes outside the cave to wait on him to complete the task, it genuinely feels like he is indeed doing what he believes is best for the boy (in this case, building his strength and courage). Part of the convincingness of Jango's concern for him lies in simple dialogue. Instead of simply spraying Boba and telling him to bring back a tooth, he spends a moment explaining what the creature is and what kind of food it eats, almost like it is his own skewed way of educating the child. When the monster comes out and Jango yells the unnecessary "Go!" the attempt at encouragement subtly demonstrates a feeling of concern. This may be an strange relationship, but there is never a question that the care is there.
Chris Scalf's art is not only amazing (as it generally is) but also does just as much as the writing in the way of revealing Jango's feelings for Boba, and in equally subtle ways. I challenge anyone to look at the image of Jango kneeling and securing his jetpack onto the boy and try to say it doesn't immediately look like a parent making sure their child is ready for school. Boba's facial expressions say more than dialogue ever could, with him in this same opening scene appearing alternatingly suspicious and curious before looking as though he feels downright betrayed. If the chemistry between Taylor and Scalf remains this good throughout the series, this could turn out to be one of the better Fett tales of recent time.
Blood Ties is off to a great start. This is one of those Expanded Universe stories that feels like it was genuinely written to tell a compelling story, not simply to expand upon or illuminate corners of the Star Wars universe. Aside from establishing a moving and believable relationship between the two main characters, Taylor has crafted a story that seems to be prepared to expand its theme beyond the two in a way that can be equally rewarding. Jango and, especially, Boba Fett are characters that any Star Wars lover with half an ability to tell a story wants to get their hands on. So far, I'm glad it's this creative team that has them because they are treating the Fetts with the respect they deserve.


Click Here to see more reviews about: Star Wars: Blood Ties - A Tale of Jango and Boba Fett



Buy NowGet 32% OFF

Click here for more information about Star Wars: Blood Ties - A Tale of Jango and Boba Fett

Read More...

9/02/2011

Star Wars: The Complete Vader Review

Star Wars: The Complete Vader
Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)
Lots of images and old/rare movie poster pics. Comprehensive book and very cool. Glad I own it.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Star Wars: The Complete Vader

Star Wars: The Complete Vader is the definitive book on the history, myth, and cultural impact of Darth Vader. From his early development in the first Star Wars film by George Lucas, to the new legends created in comics, videogames, and novels, to his ongoing appearances on everything from television commercials to bedspreads, Vader presents a complete view in all his incarnations as the Dark Lord of the Sith. Going beyond the films to cover his further adventures in the Star Wars Expanded Universe, the book combines new insight with exclusive interviews and photographs from the Lucasfilm Archives. Interactive reproductions of rare memorabilia fire the imagination, while pages packed with never-seen-before images explore the world's endless fascination with the notorious Darth Vader.

Buy NowGet 37% OFF

Click here for more information about Star Wars: The Complete Vader

Read More...