James Luceno

“Palpatine raised his clawed hands. “I executed them with these! And with the power of my mind. I became a storm, Magister - a weapon strong enough to warp bulkheads and hurl bodies across cabinspaces. I was death itself!” (p. 144)

Lots of force, violence and scheaming. The book focus as much on Palpatine as it does Plagueis, and, odd as it is to say about someone who is the titular character, I wanted more Plagueis. However he and Palpatine were both excelent. There was also a touching look into Darth Maul’s background. I never imagined I would feel sympathy for him, but now I do.

I joined the recently started r/fantasy bookbingo and read this for the prompt “Rrologues and epilogues” as the book has both, but also, in its capacity of being vowen into so many other Star Wars stories also serve as prologue to other stories.… (mer)

Star Wars: Tarkin is a confident book that is written by a confident author. It is filled with the intrigue, action, and fascinating characterization that we've come to expect from a Luceno Star Wars book. In my opinion, Luceno is one of the best authors of Star Wars fiction writing today (alongside of Timothy Zahn and Claudia Gray). He is also very proficient at describing the technology world of the star wars universe without bogging the reader down.

The story takes place five years after the end of the Clone Wars. Emperor Palpatine is using his influence and the dark side of the Force to manipulate the galaxy and change the landscape. Moff Tarkin is in the Outer Rim overseeing the construction of the Death Star, and Darth Vader is doing whatever the Emperor wants. In this case, the Emperor wants Vader and Tarkin to work together to investigate what appears to be an act of insurrection. Mystery ensues.

As the plot unfolds, so does Tarkin’s past. We learn about his family, his home on the planet Eriadu, a little about his time in the Clone Wars, and most importantly, we see his family’s peculiar rites of passage. Those experiences – which are essentially an intense game of Survivor that pits Tarkin against wild creatures and nature – are what ultimately shape Tarkin into the man we meet in Episode IV. They taught Tarkin the value of ruling with fear, and it’s a theme that runs throughout the book. The Empire’s governing techniques are rooted in intimidation. I mean they're building a Death Star to rule with terror.

And this is more or less the plot of the book. I found it interesting to read about the insurgency (one of those many flickers of hope throughout the galaxy). It gives you insight (the way Enfys Nest did in Solo) into all the different freedom fighters that exist in the galaxy before the rebellion really gets organized.

Anyway, as fascinating as freedom fighters are, this is Tarkin's story and a captivating one at that. You really see how he learned to be such a tactical and cunning leader. I found the ending to be completely satisfying and his characterization dazzling. Kuddos to Luceno for writing another great Star Wars entry.… (mer)

My over all opinion: This is not necessary to read before the film, but gives a very good rationale why Orson Krennic is so villainous. I thought the last two chapters were very compelling particularly. It also shows us Saw's relation to Jyn, which is nice. Personally the more technical things were boring (besides knowing that Kyber Cyrstals were used to construct the Death Star rays). Be warned: There is a lot of information dumping in this book!

Rather, what is compelling about this book is the dynamic between Galcen, Lyra and Krennic, as the book progresses. Krennic attempts to manipulates the couple for his personal gain and to harness the intelligence of Galcen's mind for evil purposes. Lyra acts as the moral voice of the story and it is refreshing to read in a Star Wars book about a couple who are so devoted to each other as Galcen and Lyra are. You can sense their love and their bond. Give me more of the humanity within this story and less of the political/technological mumbo-jumbo.

I liked the book but didn't love it. Parts were slow and not dramatic enough. If you can skim the book at your leisure and still get the basic plot arc, do so.… (mer)