A Few Novel Reviews Added!
by Paul Talon on Jan.29, 2010, under Expanded Universe, Literature
Clone Wars 2.09 & 2.10 Reviews Posted
by Paul Talon on Jan.19, 2010, under The Clone Wars
Another shining reason why Clone Wars can be placed up there as the best action-oriented show on television today. In a nearly episode long battle that could rival any of the films watching Grievous take on all the Jedi at different points is well worth the price of admission. In fact everytime Grievous fights Obi-Wan to some kind of stand still should in theory make their final battle in Episode III more potent.
“The Deserter”
Hands down one of the better explorations about the clones that we have seen. We get to see some of the hints of the tales involving Clones individualism thrown almost full out in this tale. I only wish honestly that this was a separate tale than the overall Hunt For Grievous tale started last episode.
Jedi Apprentice Saga Reviews Continue
by Paul Talon on Dec.14, 2009, under Expanded Universe, Literature
Jedi Apprentice Volume 3: The Hidden Past
written by: Jude Watson
A continuation of the adventures of Obi-Wan Kenobi and his new master, Qui-Gon Jinn. Their journey takes them to the home planet of Guerra, the thief that Obi-Wan had conspired with at the end of the second book.
Jedi Apprentice Volume 4: The Mark of the Crown
written by: Jude Law
Probably the most direct of the series, and thus one of the least interesting. Continuing on to Gala to continue their mission they were waylaid from by Guerra and family, their mission is a simple one or so it seems. The dying queen wishes there to be public elections but there are many who don’t. The prince being one of them but he is not alone.
Jedi Apprentice Volume 5: Defenders of the Dead
written by: Jude Watson
Albeit it’s for a younger audience, but the real climax of the novel is so offcenter that it ruins the whole story for me. Dispatched to bring back a fellow Jedi named Tahl, Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan run into a wartorn planet. There are two sides to the war: Melida/Daan. The two factions have been entrenched in a civil war for as long as anyone can remember. The Elder perpetuate the war and the Middle aged are mostly dead due to it.
Jedi Apprentice Volume 6: The Uncertain Path
written by Jude Watson
Slightly better than it’s predecessor due to the fact that you have to begin the book with Obi-Wan already separated from the Jedi. It allows you to scoot past the finale of the previous book.
Jedi Apprentice Volume 7: The Captive Temple
written by: Jude Watson
The best of the series thus far. A contained story built on the previous adventures that have led the two Jedi heroes to where we are. Obi-Wan is back at the Temple but unsure of his future. Qui-Gon is also unsure of their future but dealing with an assault on the Temple and attempt on Yoda’s life.
The story becomes a basic detective mystery with lightsabers as Obi-Wan tries to prove himself worthy of continuing as a Jedi and as Qui-Gon’s apprentice. In the meantime Qui-Gon tries to prove himself worthy to be Obi-Wan’s mentor.
Clone Wars: 2.08 Review Posted!
by Paul Talon on Dec.05, 2009, under The Clone Wars
Building on the PG horror theme from last week, Brain Invaders is an homage to Invasion of the Body Snatchers and Alien all in one. One of the Geonosis’ Queen’s brain worms gets itself into one of the clone troopers, it forces the trooper to bring more on board a transport being led by Ahsoka and Bariss to get medical supplies for Dantooine while Anakin, Obi-Wan, Ki-Adi, and Luminara flew Poggle back towards Coruscant to debrief him.
The build up is slow and a bit lumbering but it leads to some great action and drama. The Clones take over the ship sending Ahsoka and Barriss off running. As they try to retake the ship and get messages out to Anakin and Kit Fisto, Barriss gets taken leaving only Ahsoka evoking the horror of being alone amongst the monsters.
Clone Wars 2.07 Review Posted
by Paul Talon on Dec.04, 2009, under Uncategorized
Legacy of Terror is a decent standalone type episode despite being the epilogue of sorts of the Geonosis re-invasion. It’s attempt is to create a PG horror atmosphere which is a very tricky order. It falls a bit short for me, but that in no way means it’s a failure.
Clones Wars 2.06 Review Posted
by Paul Talon on Nov.20, 2009, under The Clone Wars
“Weapons Factoy” is a great example of why Clone Wars is much more than a kiddie cartoon show. In fact it is at times more in depth and better at character development than the films are. It takes the relationships they have and analyze and compare and put them through the ringer to show us how they develop.
Take for example Anakin and Ahsoka. What started out as a real detriment to the series, has begun to really come around and actually become a valued part. Ahsoka is still a bit kidlike in demeanor as is appropriate and certainly will still attract a kiddie audience. But for the more mature audience, Ahsoka is the key to helping us see Anakin’s faults and beginnings of his descent.
Reviews Posted for Jedi Apprentice Volume 2 and Fate of the Jedi Volume 3
by Paul Talon on Nov.16, 2009, under Uncategorized
Jedi Apprentice Volume 2: The Dark Rival
Written by: Jude Watson
A fun if not overly epic tale aimed at younger readers. After the last novel in the series thrust Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon together on the same planet, this is the novel that sees the two become master and padawan.
Fate of the Jedi Volume 3: Abyss
Written by Troy Denning
It amazed me as I sat down after finishing the novel to think that here we are a third of the way done with the series and almost nothing has happened thus far.
And yet, I still find myself wanting to read further to find out what is happening.
But I will also say is that it better start happening soon. As much as I am loving watching the political chess match between Daala and the Jedi, the troubled romance of Jaina Solo and Jag Fel, and Luke and Ben’s search for the cause of Jacen’s descent into the darkside, it’s bound to get old…and in fact I wouldn’t be surprised if some readers were slightly turned off by that fact at this point.
Perhaps I’m just loving the fact that it’s new Star Wars that I haven’t read yet.
Clone Wars 2.05 and Jedi Apprentice Volume 1 Novel Reviews Posted!
by Paul Talon on Nov.09, 2009, under Literature, The Clone Wars
What a rush! This is an episode that came at the right time. Now if all the episodes were like this it would get boring and lose it’s effectiveness but sometimes…a balls to the wall action piece is just all out fun and necessary.
Jedi Apprentice Volume 1: The Rising Force
Written by: Dave Wolverton
It’s setting is a winner immediately. The young Obi-Wan just before he is chosen by rogue maverick Jedi, Qui-Gon Jinn. It’s interesting to see Obi-Wan in the sort of Anakin role. It works well as both a story and how you can think of what might be going on in Obi-Wan’s head as Anakin makes his rise and descent.
Fate of the Jedi Vol 2 review posted!
by Paul Talon on Nov.01, 2009, under Expanded Universe
Fate of the Jedi Vol 2: Omen
by: Christie Golden
This is a hard one for me to review. I can’t say I liked Golden’s style of writing, but it wasn’t distracting enough for me to call it a fault. I can’t say I was excited about much that happened, but enough happened to want to know what happens next. Much like the first book in the series, it all seems to be floundering around waiting for something to happen.