As I continued my quest through that galaxy far, far away I would soon discover that they can't all be winners...
Hand of Thrawn Duology by Timothy Zahn
Specter of the Past / Vision of the Future
The Empire embarks on a mission of peace, while the New Republic crumbles around a political crisis that divides the galaxy. Covert elements resurrect a threat the likes of which has not been seen in years. And man, am I the only one completely turned off by the trope of obstinate politicians in Star Wars literature?
This two-book series extends the story of Zahn's Thrawn Trilogy 10 years into the future, opening the book that much more on his original characters - notably Mara Jade and Talon Karrde - while Luke further explores Jedi philosophy and Han and Leia embark on parenthood in their unique swashbuckling way.
In this story, I loved the Imperial angle: reconciliation with the New Republic, a disgruntled Moff taking matters into his own hands, and organized Imperial terrorism! All new, all interesting, enjoyed every minute. On the other hand it was difficult to read Zahn's consistently one-dimensional, stubborn, and unsympathetic portrayals of the story's New Republic political elements. I'll admit that it may be tipping its hat at the real world, but I want to enjoy my Star Wars. Give me politics as it ought to be, not as it is: boring, biting, and offensive.
The Courtship of Princess Leia by Dave Wolverton
When I packed my bags for overseas, I had room for only a few books. I packed my Zahn, a couple new ones (Death Troopers and Outbound Flight), then I looked to my collection for two nice stand-alone titles. The first one I picked was this New York Times Bestseller: the story of Han's post-movie courtship of Leia, what could be better, right?
It's clear to me now why though I'd read it before, I so vaguely remembered it. It is forgettable. Dave Wolverton's portrayal of Han, Leia, and Luke is bland. His introduction of Prince Isoldor as a rich, charming man-hunk to rival Han's affection for Leia quickly becomes disappointing. Teneniel Djo, the one original character I liked, got stuck with Mr. Disappointing while The Big Three (Luke, Han, Leia) went off to live happily ever after.
There are a few promising story elements here that I would have loved to see further developed: Zsinj's standoff with the Dathomir witches, and the matriarchal native societies based around female Force-wielders, the rancors. In the end though, Dave's treatment of all his characters as emotional teenagers unable to make rational or complex choices made this a chore to get through.
I will say however! There is one source of continuing happiness that The Courtship of Princess Leia provided me with. Early on there is a short part of the story told from C-3PO's point of view, as he attempts to defend Han's virtue publicly by explaining that Han is the descendant of Corellian kings - King Solo! This short snippet, and Threepio's continued attempts to sweeten Leia on Han, are completely charming and never failed to elicit a smile from this fanboy.
The Crystal Star by Vonda N. McIntyre
The Crystal Star is the second New York Times Bestseller I stuffed my suitcase with - and the second time that the New York Times let me down.
The whole thing is forgettable, and was quite difficult to finish. Indeed, the only reason I bothered is because it was the last book I brought with me. Luke is weird and brooding, Han and Leia are both nutcases, and the Solo children while adorable are a little difficult to believe. The story's villain is a mysterious Imperial secret-police type rendered into an evil school principal by the Rebellion who is hatching a plot to achieve ultimate power by feeding children to an enigmatic blob named Waru.
Shortly after completion of this dreary effort I received in the mail my Star Wars-flavored salvation: a brand new Kindle.
Next time, my journey into that galaxy far, far away will continue with Timothy Zahn's Survivor's Quest, my first eBook entry into the annals of the Return of the Fanboy.
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