Rebel Stand: Star Wars Legends: Enemy Lines II

Ok. simply put, this book was awesome. It had it all: Romance, intrigue, tons of action, humor, and it finally showed the Luke of old: the Jedi master who could kick some ... . This book takes off as Luke and Mara and the Wraiths traverse through Coruscant on a mission to set up resistence cells. Besides fighting Vong, they have a very interesting subplot with an evil ultra-Jedi. Luke and Mara are as cool as ever and Tahiri steps up as a matured Jedi as well. On Borealis, the New Republic finally starts going on the offensive, and the battles that ensue are riveting and page turning. Jaina and Jag's romance is brought up as well. Han and Leia look like their old selfs again, and the plot lines between them are hilarious at times; such as when they get captured on a backwater planet and threatened w/ torture, they both take it lightheartedly, telling their captor how they have both been tortured by Darth Vader how the captor should try to do better. The cockiness of them both is very funny. A new and hilarious part in this book is R2D2's conversations. This little droid is very funny in his logic, and finally we get to see what all those sad, jovial and sarcastic bleeps and whistles mean. And finally, as the battles at Borealis in both Rebel Dream and Rebel Stand show, the Vong are not as invincible as they seemed while the New Republic forces, w/out the burden of the politicians, finally are showing some muscle and brain. While the book ends rather abruptly, it does what its meant to: it leaves you thirsty for more. It took me 3 hours to read, and i didn't want it to end. I definitly recommend this book whole-heartedly.

This book was even better than Rebel Dream. It's definately one of the best books in the NJO series. Aaron Allston did a great job with Han and Leia. Finally, finally, they are being written as the great couple we fell for in the movies. I hope the next authors follow suit and we don't have anymore of that skinky garbage we got in the beginning. Tahiri, Wedge, Jaina, Jag were also super in this book. The action was fabulous, and so was the suspence at the end of the book. I highly recommend this book.

Allston again writes an excellent addition to the NJO series. Rebel Stand is more concentrated then Rebel Dream, with the subplots focussing more clearly on the main characters. While he adds in a few returning faces (Wes Janson makes his NJO debut), Allston never loses focus of his story. Every NJO author writes a specific character better than others, Stackpole writes Corran Horn the best, Keyes wrote Anakin the best, etc, Allston wrote Han and Leia the best in this book. No other author in the NJO series so far has captured the essense of who Han and Leia are, not merely legend they represent. I am trying not to give any of the plot away, but the scene where Han and Leia escape from the Peace Brigade is pure Star Wars. Luke and Mara are not forgotten on Curuscant, and though again nothing is mentioned of the captured Jacen Solo, an old enemy is resurrected, and general chaos reigns. Its really great stuff. Allston also focuses on the tactical side of the war with the Vong, his depiction of Wedge Antilles is masterful, as is the battle plan presented. Jaina Solo comes into her own, no longer under the influence of the Dark Side, and healing from the losses of her brothers. Overall after the darkness of Star by Star and Dark Journey, Allston's two books have been a welcome change, and are simply excellent. Perhaps he will write again for the Star Wars universe, and if he does, I will be among the first to buy the book. Rebel Stand is highly recommend, not just as a great addition to the NJO series but as a Star Wars book in general.

Rebel Stand was good but could have been a little bit better. The reason that I say that is mainly due to the long, drawn-out Coruscant mission storyline. This would have been a more entertaining book if that had been edited down some. Thankfully the wraiths added some much needed humor that provided some zip to that storyline.Han and Leia had the best storyline and the best action. I was only disappointed that they didn't get more screen time. The spark and banter between them is still the driving force behind their relationship and is still great fun to read about. R2-D2 also had some of his best EU moments in this plotline.There was also some more Jaina/Jag/Kyp action. I feel that it's about time that plot move along a little faster. It's starting to get old. Wedge didn't get much screen time in this novel, but what's there is very good and probably provided the best tension in the book.Overall, it was a fun book to read. It's so nice to be able to say that reading a Star Wars book is fun again. I have missed feeling that way since the NJO series had begun.

I enjoyed Rebel Dream, and I was very impressed by this book. Not only did Allston confirm his standing as one of the greated Star Wars authors of all time, he continued the NJO story very precisely. He presents a new mencace, Lord Nyax. His power and strength seemed almost unstoppable. On Borleis, it was interesting to see a Yuuzhan Vong warrior go after Jaina Solo in an attempt to capture her. Allston acutally gives the warrior credit and character, and makes him almost admirable. Han and Leia of course, come back in full force. Their long-lost wit and battle ready attitudes bring memories of the original trilogy, of how they battled the Empire. And as for the book's romantic side? Like in the book before it, there was enough of it to bring a smile to your face but not get you annoyed with too much kissing up. The plot is excellent. A well-deserved five stars.