Order from a Major Online Bookstore
Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine
Save Your Time And Money
| AnyBook4Less.com | Order from a Major Online Bookstore |
|
| Home | Store List | FAQ | Contact Us | | ||
| Ultimate Book Price Comparison Engine Save Your Time And Money |
||
 |
Title: The Unifying Force (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 19) by JAMES LUCENO ISBN: 0-345-42852-8 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 04 November, 2003 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $26.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.35 (48 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Luceno knows his Star Wars
Comment: Warning: if you haven't read most of the Star Wars books in existence, many of the wonderful, unexpected moments in "The Unifying Force" will probably pass you by. It is extremely satisfying to see so many characters from, and references made to, older books in the Star Wars saga.
All of our favorites are back in character, and we get to see some new sides to certain characters, that just might change your opinions of them. To name names would be to spoil the surprises.
For those looking for a little philosophical thought, I'll just say that I'm still trying to completely figure things out. What I have figured out is that the notion of the Force at the end of this book is quite different than the one we see at the beginning of "The Phantom Menace". And, this evolution in thought makes sense.
What I loved best about this book was that the Jedi did not dominate it. While they still played a very important part, it was made obvious that everyone had an important role in saving the galaxy, even the enemy. In other words, the galaxy needs its Han Solos just as much as it needs its Luke Skywalkers.
Did Mr. Luceno tie up all the loose ends? Most of them, yes, and for one in particular, it was done in absolutely fitting fashion. But, he also raised a few interesting questions, for which no answers were given. I hope to see these addressed in future books.
In closing, I'd like to thank Mr. Luceno, and all the other NJO authors, for continuing the action and adventure in a galaxy far, far away. The journey wasn't always smooth, and a few good friends were lost along the way, but in the end, the magic was back, and I knew just exactly why I had become a Star Wars fan in the first place.
Rating: 4
Summary: A Masterful Resolution
Comment: Wow! I have almost nothing but entousiastically positive comments for this excellent grand finale of the New jedi Order's 19-book saga. Once again, James Luceno has risen to the challenge.
The expectations were very high indeed, not only because the series needed to be completed with the bang, but also because of the Herculean task of tying up the myriads of loose ends. To compound the pressure, four of the last five NJO novels had defiintely been sub-par.
Unifying Force more than makes up for it.
The scale is positively epic. The cast is huge, the action is constant, the narration gripping. I read the whole 500+ page novel in one straight sitting (and had to visit the chiropractor after because my neck was sore!) And yes, all the loose ends have been finally taken care of.
Luceno is big on continuity and it shows. Part of the creative team at Lucas Books, he has been largely resposnsible for the NJO story arc. He claimed in the past that he read ALL of the previous Star Wars novels to prepare and I definitely believe him.
Everything feels right in this book. The species, the technology and most-of-all the people. All major characters, as well as just about all secondary ones are used - thoroughly. And they are all true to form. The story is mostly carried by Luke, Han and Leia, but I was happiest about Jacen Solo, who finally returns to the thoughtful and complex superhero of Matthew Stover's Traitor.
What I liked the most was that, somehow, the story actually felt very much like the classic trilogy, especially the Return of the Jedi. The settings, the heroics, the final confrontation with everything hanging in the balance, Luke's determination, Han's sarcastic commentary, they were all vintage Star Wars that will appeal very strongly to the franchise's fans. Also the suspense: In more than one occasion I was convinced that Luceno was going to kill another favourite character.
My criticisms are minor (but cost the novel a 5-star rating!): (a) the story doesn't quite reach the level of complexity of Timothy Zanh's novels or Luceno's own prequel era Cloak of Deception - it is too busy trying to resolve everything (b) it also lacks the creative millitary tactics of Mike Stackpole or Aaron Allston novels.
Overall, the four stars are probably not enough. This one is certainly worth the price of the hardcover and more.
NJO Commentary
Now that the whole series is over, my final thoughts are as follows:
- the NJO was great. It was finally adult sci-fi, Star Wars having very much grown and matured with its fan base.
- I really like the new Jacen, while Jaina never quite lived up to the Sword of the Jedi billing or the Trickster Goddess persona.
- I was a bit disappointed that the Chiss (even though they have been preparing for exactly such an eventuality, ever since Thrawn's time) never quite participated in the war, like for example Hapes. Jag Fel's contributions were mostly incidental.
- The final solution to the Yuuzhan Vong question was a bit light or realism, particularly the logistics of fitting them all on one single planet. If their population is not that large, what did they need all these other planets for and how did they manage to occupy them??
Rating: 5
Summary: Amazing Absolutely a must for any Star Wars Fan
Comment: Unifying Force was the best conclusion to the New Jedi Order Series. Which is a must read series for any Star Wars fan. I think Mr. Luceno really did an amazing job with this book. The intricate plot is woven around the utterlly intrigueing Star Wars expanded universe. I recomend you read the other 18 books before this one. Believe me its addictive I read it over 20 times. Email me what you think of the book I love reading other Fans Opinions.
 |
Title: The Final Prophecy (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 18) by Greg Keyes ISBN: 0345428757 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 30 September, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
 |
Title: Survivor's Quest (Star Wars) by TIMOTHY ZAHN ISBN: 0345459164 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 03 February, 2004 List Price(USD): $25.95 |
 |
Title: Force Heretic III: Reunion (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 17) by Sean Williams, Shane Dix ISBN: 0345428722 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 01 July, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
 |
Title: Force Heretic II: Refugee (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 16) by Shane Dix, Sean Williams ISBN: 0345428714 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 29 April, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
 |
Title: Force Heretic I: Remnant (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 15) by Sean Williams, Shane Dix ISBN: 0345428706 Publisher: Del Rey Pub. Date: 04 February, 2003 List Price(USD): $6.99 |
Thank you for visiting www.AnyBook4Less.com and enjoy your savings!
Copyright� 2001-2021 Send your comments
