The Force Unleashed (Star Wars)

I really enjoyed this book. I played the video game first (the Wii Version) then read the book. Not only did the book give a lot more background information and give better insight to the characters (particularly Starkiller/Galen), it also made the game play much more enjoyable. On its own, this is a great companion book, as the story is wonderful and is a nice bridge between the original trilogy and the prequel trilogy. I've heard rumors of the book becoming a new movie and if it is as good as this book is I will be in line for tickets on opening night. I would highly recommend this book for any fan of the series.

Jonathan Davis produces an outstanding theater performance certain to captivate audio listeners with Star Wars: The Force Unleashed: a fine survey of how the Republic's overthrow is complete and the Jedi Council nearly decimated, with the Order in shambles. Darth Sidious rules - but pockets of resistance must still be located and crushed, and it's up to Darth Vader to find these pockets - he and a lethal secret apprentice. Any Star Wars fan will relish this fast-paced listen.

I will admit, this is the first SW book I have ever read, but I've been a fan of the movies since I was a kid of course. The book really, really lets us get into the head of the apprentice in a way that the video game or even the graphic novel cannot. It is well-written and builds tension very well. The story does a great job of filling in many, any holes between III and IV. A nice mix of new and familiar characters.

I would easily rank this book up on the level of Shadows of the Empire and the Thrawn Trilogy. This book came out of nowhere to me honestly, I really expected it to be pretty corny and full of puns like most of the recent EU Star Wars novels. However, that was not the case at all. The visualizations this book actually brings in and the choice of words that are so well chosen make this book extremely believable. The interaction of the characters with one another are actually human. Of course, there are aliens because it is Star Wars based and there is the force and whatnot. It isn't completely over the top like some Star Wars books. The climax is set precisely at the end of the book, plenty of unexpected plot twists. Some things if you are as into Star Wars as I am you can guess for yourself, but it still makes you think on them until the very end. I now can understand fully why George Lucas determined this story to be the bridge between Episode 3 and 4. I guarantee this book will keep you entertained and on edge. I read it in one sit through and that is something I haven't done in close to 4 years.

*NO* SPOILERS: While I have read a few of them, I don't normally read the Star Wars books because they're essentially all the same: main characters get into difficult and dangerous situations where their 'life is in danger', but they never die and always live to see another day, despite the odds. Rinse and repeat, and you essentially have every Star Wars novel ever written. With all the hype surrounding The Force Unleashed, I couldn't help but pick up a copy of the book to read before playing the game. And I'm really glad I did. The story, while slow in the beginning, definitely does not disappoint, especially in the end. Like the title states, the Force is truly unleashed within this novel, as barely a chapter goes by without some fast-paced lightsaber action. And, really, isn't that the best part about Star Wars? The plot, while arguably predictable, really does bridge the gap between Episodes III and IV, and really shines a new light on the entire six movies, especially the last three films dealing with the Rebellion. There are a few twists and turns along the way, especially at the very end of the story. Truth be told, I haven't been this shocked (or satisfied) with a Star Wars plot twist since the first Knights of the Old Republic game. If you're a fan of Star Wars, do yourself a favor and read this. Even if you aren't a huge fan of the Star Wars books, this is definitely one you aren't going to want to miss. My only 'regret' about The Force Unleashed is that it wasn't made into a movie of its own!