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What Star Wars novels do you recommend?

post #1 of 14
4/1/02 at 1:35pm
Thread Starter 
I wanna try to get into some of the Star Wars novels. I have Shadows of the Empire, which I got a long time ago.

But what would you guys recommend I start out with?
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post #2 of 14
4/1/02 at 1:47pm
The original Zahn trilogy and Ann C. Crispin's Han Solo trilogy. Beyond that, you're pretty much wasting your time, although the Kevin J. Anderson books can be fun if you don't mind readin the exacy same story over and over again.

I have not personally read the X-Wing novels, but I have heard very good things about the Stackpole ones.
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post #3 of 14
4/1/02 at 1:50pm
The only ones I ever really rated were Brian Daley's Han Solo trilogy and Shadows of the Empire. Beyond all that, I just can't stand it. I hate the EU as a whole. I've got shit for not liking even Zahn before, but I just can't see anything good in it.

Course, you could always read mine at the Sci-Fighter
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post #4 of 14
4/1/02 at 1:51pm
Thread Starter 
I'd probably be better off reading the timelines and stuff on TheForce.Net, huh?

I'll check out some of the stuff you mentioned though, thanks.
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post #5 of 14
4/1/02 at 2:35pm
I agree with the rest of you. Although you didn't mention 'Splinter of the Mind's Eye' by Alan Dean Foster, which I enjoyed.

I think it takes place between 'A New Hope' and 'The Empire Strikes Back'.
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post #6 of 14
4/2/02 at 1:58am
I like the Rogue Squadron novels and I, Jedi.
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post #7 of 14
4/2/02 at 2:31am
Read the Zahn Trilogy definately. Rouge Squadron, especially the latter 4 are worth it as well as I, Jedi. After that, its a toss up, with a lot of crap mixed in.
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post #8 of 14
4/2/02 at 4:53am
Read the Zahn trilogy, Courtship of Princess Leia, and the Rogue Squadron books. All great.

Han Solo trilogy a notch below that. Zahn duology in here as well.

Some of the rest are okay, but almost all of them are way above the level of Star Trek novels.

Most writers improve with experience... and then there's Kevin Anderson, who regresses with each book he touches.

(I'm reading the New Jedi Order stuff right now. I should probably start a thread just for that.)
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post #9 of 14
4/2/02 at 7:24am
Shadows of the Empire was horrid.

Zahn is the way to go. If nothing else these books should be read just for their historical significance alone for bringing 'Star Wars' back to full-blown popularity that its enjoying today.

The Han Solo stories are decent. I enjoyed the Lando Calarissian trilogy myself.

The Vector Prime books are not bad, especially the one that has the bad thing happen to Chewbacca. At least, that story in particular had some growth and changes.

The Anderson trilogy is so-so, his writing is a little pedestrian, but you at least get to know Ackbar.

The rest are pretty much trash.
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post #10 of 14
4/2/02 at 1:19pm
The best is still the original Start Wars novelization by George Lucas -- ghost written by Alan Dean Foster.
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post #11 of 14
4/3/02 at 1:51pm
Han Solo Trilogy - you get a true feel of the Han Solo character in these books - yes, he's the guy who would shoot first. You get to hear about more of his legendary exploits as well.

Timothy Zahn Trilogy - If they were going to make Episodes 7-9, you'd hope it would be these books. Zahn captures the feel of the Star Wars universe perfectly. Admiral Thrawn is an excellent villain.

New Jedi Order - R.A. Salvatore (from the Drizzt series) starts off this new series. They have thrown out a lot of the rules that constricted the other books (no big changes to characters or storylines). And now you will have a look at the sons and daughter of Han and Leia as they become the central Jedi. A great enemy. Main characters dying. Very nice to see a whole new life in the Star Wars books. (I'm currently on book 6)

Cheers!
Joram
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post #12 of 14
4/3/02 at 9:45pm
I'll agree with joram on the New Order part. these books are really good and add many things to the books that they were missing for a long time. Honestly if you like searching the Jedi way of things an seeing them mix it up against a tough foe this is it for you.

J man you are incredible...why couldn't you have come back sooner....i am already loving your posts.

Don't worry I love my girlfriend....
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post #13 of 14
4/3/02 at 9:54pm
Zahn's Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command but NOT his latter two.

Tales from the Mos Eisley Cantina, Tales from Jabba's Palace, and Tales of the Bounty Hunters (but the IG-88 story is SHIT).

Otherwise, beware.
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post #14 of 14
4/3/02 at 11:28pm
Quote:
Nick Nunziata:
Zahn's Heir to the Empire, Dark Force Rising, and The Last Command but NOT his latter two.
I totally agree, I read the first of those newer ones, and I totally hated it. Simply bored to tears.
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