Vector Prime

What can I say - this book is actually good, and not just "That was cool" good, but actually "I want to read more" good. This author actually gets the characters right and makes you feel like you went back to star wars. He also made a darn good enemy for the Jedi to fight this time. The only bad thing about the book is that it is too short and the enemies are defeated too quickly in the end.

The original Star Wars trilogy provided an entire generation with a landmark story of legend and mythology. Nearly a decade after Return of Jedi was released, the excitement of the Star Wars was rekindled and expanded for the original fans (and introduced a whole new generation to the Star Wars Universe) with the release of "Heir to the Empire" by Timothy Zahn. This introduced a-45 book sequence over the next 8 years that took covered everything from the early days of Han Solo to the final truce with the Empire (also written by Zahn) and several story lines in between. The unique approach was to have several stand-alone novels and many trilogies each handled by a separate author (though some had return engagements). With the final peace with the Empire being achieved, the original 45-book sequence had run its course. The creative forces at LucasBooks sought to create a brand new story arc, introducing a new menace (hinted at in the final original series book "Vision of the Future") that was so horrifying and dangerous that the conflict could not be resolved in one or three books. Rather, it would be carried out over a new 5-year, 25-book story arc. "Vector Prime" is the first book in that series that introduces to the truly terrifying Yuuzhan Vong race. This race of tattooed, mutilated warriors believe embrace pain the way a human would embrace a loved one. This extra-galactic species invades the New Republic with a determination to eliminate the 'abomination' of artificial technology (through the use of organic ships and technology) and destroy or enslave the indigenous 'infidels' who don't embrace the Vong philosophy. The invasion had been plotted for over 50 years. In "Vector Prime", the first faction of Vong (a political group known as the Praetorite Vong) penetrate the seemingly impenetrable galactic barrier at a point known as Vector Prime (hence the title). By taking over a small research planet and transforming its ecology to support the growth of more ships, the Vong establish a foothold from where they plan to control the rest of the galaxy. "Vector Prime" introduces or develops many new characters while bidding farewell to a longtime favorite. For the first time in a mainstream Star Wars novel, Han and Leia's Jedi children come into their own. They now have distinct personalities and destinies they must face independent of their parents. For the first time, the reader also reads about Luke and Mara Jade Skywalker as a married couple, as Mara battles a brutal disease brought upon her by a hidden Vong agent. This book also means the death of the great Chewbacca. The death had been hinted at for months and doubtless angered many longtime Star Wars faithful. However, Chewie died in the most honorable way possible: Saving Anakin Solo's and many other lives on the planet Sernpidal which was about the be destroyed by its moon knocked out of orbit by one of the Yuuzhan Vong gravity-warping Dovin Basals. As the Millennium F

This is an incredible book by a formidable author, but I can't recommend it for a casual fan. First of all, a character you'd NEVER expect to die bites the bullet.Secondly, though anybody can understand the book, its a big help if you've already read some other novels, since many of the locales and characters aren't even mentioned in the movies. This is definitely a book for fans of the Extended Universe. Regardless, this book is an experience. It has great characters, (especially for fans who are already acquainted with the X-wing, Jedi Order and Hand of Thrawn books), a great story and good action. HIghly recommended.

I knew the big surprise when I read this book (I'm not telling you if you have yet to hear it) and I still thought it was well done. There were a couple of scenes when you thought 'OK, this is IT!' but it wasn't. The surprising thing about this book was that it was Star Wars from the female perspective! Leia, Mara, Jania and Dani (the new chick on the block) were the core characters! Many readers (espeically those who were fond of the Thrawn trillogy) may find that the most difficult thing about the book. The girls save the universe while the men show genuine emotion and bond (some even have a breakdown or two). I thought the characters were well fleshed out and matured (this story happens 25 years after Return of the Jedi, so yes Han, Leia, Luke & Chewie did act differently; their personalities were NOT frozen in carbonite all these years!). Overall, a VERY good read (I couldn't put it down). It makes me want to start reading the Star Wars books again (I had stopped after half way through Heir to the Empire). Go get this book, it is an awesome story!

This is not the Star Wars we all grew up with. I have read all the books, all the collected comics etc, and this is something very different. The art on the cover gives you an idea of what's inside. Two things that are outstanding; 1. a Map of The Star Wars Galaxy, 2. and a Time Line of the books, that while not going all the way back, covers 99% of what should have been included years ago. THANK YOU! Mr. Salvatore adapted to this saga very well, and without the one-liners that have gotten so annoying from the original 3 movies. He didn't use any crutches, and created amazing new life forms, organic weapons etc. Excellent story, well-paced, never slumps, keeps the tension high, so plan on a late night or two. The "IT" that others refer to bothered me, as I feel it was unecessary. That type of written device usually props up a weak story, and this book is anything but weak. But be prepared, this is a grim New Republic, many of our favorite characters are angry, very angry.Teenagers kill, with justification, but it's one more reminder that this "New" series is very new and very dark. If it were a movie, they would have to work hard and cut alot to not get an R. Still it's outstanding. Don't give up on "IT", a crack in that door was left open, and fans will kick that door in. Enjoy!