Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts

7/04/2012

Queen Amidala (Star Wars Episode 1, Journal #2) Review

Queen Amidala (Star Wars Episode 1, Journal #2)
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I remember the magic of the original Star Wars (I was 11 at the time), and I've been rather dismayed at the huge marketing campaign around the Phantom Menace. I picked up this book expecting it to be as trashy as a Taco Bell toy. Much to my surprise, it actually conveys significant insights into Queen Amidala/Padme which did not come out in the movie, nor in Terry Brooks' novelization. The author did a good job of imitating the style of a 14-year-old girl, but beneath the prosaic writing you feel that there's a real person, one whom you can admire and sympathize with. Only two complaints -- it's too short, and the pictures are too repetitive. Surely with more than two hours of film, they could have found a few different shots of Amidala/Padme.

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4/26/2012

The Fight for Truth (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 9) Review

The Fight for Truth (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 9)
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While it is not as exciting as some of the past Jedi Apprentice books, this book is a nice addition to the series. A simple Jedi mission turns out to be more complicated than first expected. One can almost imagine Jude Watson giving the main characters a sort of break after their last run in with Xanatos.
This story is good for kids as provides strong messages about working together and thinking for one's own self. The only drawback is the lack of time Qui-gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi are together. This story does nothing to bring their relationship closer. However, there is an interisting hint into the future of the Jedi that ties this book into the Star Wars Universe. I would recommend that people read this if they want to stay in touch with the Jedi Apprentice Series.

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4/19/2012

The Threat Within (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 18) Review

The Threat Within (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 18)
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First of all, I really enjoyed this book. Sure, at times the writing style was a little bland and the supporting characters a bit formulaic, but for me, the amount of emotional development in the main characters of Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan, and the quickly moving, descriptive plot completely made up for it. Many found this book in particular too reminiscent of earlier ones, particularly the whole Melida/Daan disaster. But I thought that having Obi-Wan reflect back on the horrors he saw there, and the huge rift between himself and Qui-Gon back then, made the similarities haunting rather than tedious, and added a heightened sense of drama to the overall story. It also showed how much Obi-Wan's matured over the past few years, in his willingness to never let anything like that happen again. Anyway, in this book Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are sent on a mission to Vorzyd 4, a planet on the edge of war with it's neighbor, Vorzyd 5, whom they are certain are the culprits of the resent terrorist attacks on their cities. As soon as they get there however, it's clear that everything is not as it seems... At the same time, Qui-Gon is beginning to become aware of the fact that Obi-Wan is growing up, and that the time they have left together is short, and this pains him terribly. Anyway, this is definitely a must for those of you who've been following the series. There is one more book after this, another split "special edition" adventure that features first Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon, and then later Obi-Wan and a young Anakin. Here's to that one being even better!

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In a land where the old rule, the young rebel.Obi-Wan Kenobi, now 16, is ready to take a big step to becoming a Jedi Knight.Will his master, Qui-Gon Jinn, let him move forward...or hold him back?

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3/24/2012

The Uncertain Path (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 6) Review

The Uncertain Path (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 6)
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Do you know that feeling where your heart is pounding, you pulse is racing, your stomach twisting in knots, and your adrenaline pumping? All of the six jedi apprentice books have done that to me, and this one is no exception. As an eighteen year old college student, I am well out of the age range, but I not only love these books, I have also gotten my twenty year old roomate hooked on them. My one major problem is the relationship between Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan. Obi-Wan forgave Guerra for betraying him on Bandomeer and almost getting him killed. He also forgave Jono and Nield. I think its time for Qui-Gon to learn another lesson from his padawan, especially since its partly his fault Obi-Wan left. This book adds a depth to both characters that didnt really exist before. Obi-Wan realizes that he is not complete without Qui-Gon, and Qui-Gon begins to realize how much Obi-Wan means to him. They are meant for each other, but they make it so hard for themselves. It also allows us a deeper look into the temple, and the problems there. Its a wonderful book, with great characters who grab your heart and wont let go.

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At age 13, Obi-Wan Kenobi resolves to quit the Jedi. He finds himself on a planet where his youth promises him power - perhaps too much power. Can he overcome the peril that faces him without the help of his Master, Qui-Gon Jinn?

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1/10/2012

The Dark Rival (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 2) Review

The Dark Rival (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice, Book 2)
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Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon have reached Bandomeer and must now go their separate ways. Obi-Wan was so hopeful that Qui-Gon would take him as an apprentice after all they've gone through but Qui-Gon is reluctant to do that. Qui-Gon cannot forget his past, concerning his first apprentice, Xanatos, who had gone to the dark side of the Force. Qui-Gon sees in Obi-Wan what he saw in Xanatos; eagerness, determination, and strength. He also sees the same weaknesses; fear and anger. But Qui-Gon's past is just about to catch up with him, can Xanatos have been the one who had gotten him involved with the mining corporations in Bandomeer? Qui-Gon is afraid that Xanatos is not only back into his life... he's afraid that Xanatos wants revenge.
Truly exciting and fast-paced, "The Dark Rival" is a fantastic read! This is Jude Watson's first try in the Jedi Apprentice series, with Dave Wolverton writing the first book, "The Rising Force". Now Jude Watson has written 18 more books after this and she's done an astoundingly good job!
This series explains a lot about how Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan first meet. Their beginning is far from simple and all smooth-sailings, which would be pretty monotonous if it was. Though the books are said for ages 9-12, like many other reviewers I agree that the Jedi Apprentice Series are for anybody. Extremely well-written, the emotions, thoughts, and feelings of the main characters are very well put down into words. I also like the different array of humans and aliens which are portrayed, both good and bad; the strong-willed, hot-headed Clat'Ha, the faithful Arconan Si Treemba, Guerra the Phindian who has a strange sense of humor (we'll see more of him!) and more. Even Xanatos is a pretty good 'bad' character, if you see what I mean.
Like I said the rest of the Jedi Apprentice books, altogether 20 books, are written by Jude Watson and are all very highly recommended from me. The books don't really 'end' at all, the books ends in either a cliffhanger or with a little glimpse into the future. Believe me, once you start reading them, you'll want to read the next one... then the next one... I can't wait for Jude Watson's next Star Wars series, The Jedi Quest Series with Obi-Wan Kenobi as the Jedi Master and Anakin Skywalker as the Padawan Apprentice.
Another Star Wars Series I recommend and like a lot are the Young Jedi Knights series. The stories are about Jacen and Jaina Solo (twins of Han and Leia Solo), and their friends as they journey on the road to becoming Jedi Knights. More on the teenager level of reading. For adult readings, a few selections I enjoy reading are "The Thrawn Trilogy", "Rogue Planet", "The Jedi Academy Trilogy", "The Corellian Trilogy", and "The Truce at Bakura".

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8/28/2011

Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy Review

Star Wars: A Pop-Up Guide to the Galaxy
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This is a brief video walking you through this incredible pop-up book.

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Sabuda and Reinhart Studios have created another spectacular pop-up book for George Lucas's epic STAR WARS movies! Bestselling pop-up artist and engineer Matthew Reinhart has designed a thirtieth anniversary commemorative edition that comes packed with a variety of novelty features -- pop-ups, working light sabers, pull tabs, and other interactive looks at the exciting and popular movies. This beautiful book will impress all fans of STAR WARS and gives a whole new perspective to the films. MATTHEW REINHART is a renowned paper engineer and bona fide STARS WARS aficionado. He has worked with Robert Sabuda on many wonderful pop-up titles such as The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, A B C Disney, Encyclopedia Prehistorica: Dinosaurs, andMovable Mother Goose. He also created Mommy? by Maurice Sendak, The Pop-Up Book of Nightmares, and The Pop-Up Book of Phobias. He lives in New York City.

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