If you've finished, what did you think?

[Laura]

I noticed that there were a few people in the other threads who had already finished the book as well. I certainly don't want to spoil it for those still reading, so I figured I'd start a thread for those of us who have already finished!

What did you guys think of it? Both as a stand-alone and as a lead-up to Rebels?

I thought it was a solid and enjoyable book. It felt very much like the EU - there isn't some radical shift with these new canon books, I don't think. I very much liked Hera and Kanan and am looking forward to watching Rebels. Though I do wish there had been more Hera in the book (though I'm sure that's being saved for the show!)

[Shawn]

I also thought the book was solid and very enjoyable. JJM brings such a richness to his characters and the worlds he creates. He captures the feel of the Star Wars galaxy so well!

The book puts me right into the Rebels timeline and leaves me ready to watch the first episode coming up shortly.

JJM could right a second book telling the continued story of how the rest of the crew joins The Ghost before they pick up Ezra and my feelings wouldn't be hurt a all!!!

[Jeffrey]

I absolutely loved it. It was an exciting, clever story with really interesting characters told at a rapid clip. It definitely made me that much more excited for the series. The reveal of Ghost at the end felt so sweet. Truly a new dawn.

[James]

The reveal of the Ghost was pretty cool, as was the way Kanan joined with Hera - not really as a rebel, but just as crew... for now.

[Roc]

I really like it. The characters were interesting, story was enjoyable, and I really liked the glimpses we got of the early Empire.
Absolutely felt like the Star Wars, which considering these were all new characters I wasn't sure it would.

[Conal]

Laura wrote: "I thought it was a solid and enjoyable book. It felt very much like the EU - there isn't some radical shift with these new canon books, I don't think. I very much liked Hera and Kanan and am looking forward to watching Rebels. Though I do wish there had been more Hera in the book (though I'm sure that's being saved for the show!"
This was exactly how I felt about the book as well. It doesn't matter what you call it, this fit right into the Star Wars look and feel!!!

[Rob]

This was a very good book. Though the minute I saw caf mentioned, I realized that the new canon is not quite so different front the old EU. But I am very glad to have read this, if nothing else than to understand some of the background of Hera and Kanan. I hope Sloane and Danthe make an appears some time in the TV show!

[Bruce]

I'm also hoping the show works in the characters that JJM created for this novel. Or even make mention to these events.

[Matt]

Rob, I thought the same thing about caf. It feels like the old EU (not that I've read a ton), but I don't feel like I'm missing anything. it will be interesting to see where Kanan and Hera are as characters at the start of the show, compared to where they are now. do you guys think the show will reference anything from the book?

[Rob]

I suspect it will be just a passing reference like Hera saying, "Let's hope it is a brighter planet than Gorse" or something like that. Though I'd be happy to see Sloane make an appearance in the show. That would be pretty awesome.

[Albert]

I liked the book. While the first half felt like slow exposition to me, it had a strong second half that moved at a great pace. The book also did a really good job conveying what life under the Empire is like especially during those slow parts. I also really liked how diverse the characters were.

[Kyle]

I was happy with the book. It was a good primer for the upcoming show and made me want to learn more about these characters. As others have mentioned, I really hope they do something with Slaone going forward. I would really like to learn more of her back story.

[Al]

I thought it was a great introduction to Hera and Kanan. The story was big, but not huge. With Rebels and episode VII on the horizon, I think it was the right choice to make this a story focusing on a local problem.

I loved the second and third tier characters and I appreciated that many of them didn't make it out alive (not because I didn't like them, but because it raised the stakes).

And while I was waiting THE WHOLE BOOK for Kanan to break out his lightsaber, in retrospect, it makes so much sense that he didn't. And it made my anticipation for the premier of Rebels even greater.

Like others, I'd like to see Sloane again. But the character I most want to see make a cameo on Rebels is Zaluna. I loved, loved, loved her story arc and I would love to see her assist the rebels in some way in the future.

And like others, just seeing the mention of caf brought a smile to my face. I'm not super sad about the Legends decision, but I like that efforts are being made to ease the transition to this new chronology.

[Mike]

Really enjoyed the book. Took a little bit to pick up, but when it got moving it was super engaging.

[Marc-Antoine]

I found the book to be very entertaining, I only wish Count Vidian had more depth. He was too evil, or heartless if you will. I prefer a villain that struggles with right and wrong... But all in all, a good reading experience.

[Crista]

Enjoyed it. A good book, a good start, a fun read. From the Imperials and their undermining ambition to the small band of unlikely. but utterly believable heroes. My great issue was that it didn't leave me wanting to explore more of Rae, who was a great inclusion into this galaxy. I didn't want to know more about her, which seemed odd. Also Hera not being explored, which was a peev of mine, but not that badly since I plan to watch the show.

[Diamond]

Finished it last night. Amazing. I really hope JJM writes another Kanan/Hera adventure. Vidian was an amazing villain. Dude was ruthless. Loved how Zaluna was having second thoughts in hyperspace. Shows how scared people are of the Empire, which I found very interesting. Skelly was also a fun character. Loved his storyline and how it ended.

[Joe]

Was a fantastic book, as always JJM gives you depth of character that far outweigh the screen (Kenobi anyone?).

My only complaint is that I felt Count Vidian was too close to Darth Vader in terms of look and voice. I think he was added there to add a familiarity to those that haven't read any SW EU type book before while being a little different, but I wish they stayed away from a Vader like build and character.

[James]

I'm a little late to the party, but I just finished the book and would like to offer my two cents...
I thought that the book was amazing.
In the prologue- the author is very clever with how he ties events in this book to the movies, while a the same time foreshadowing Kanan's thoughts and decision at the end of the book.
I really enjoy how the protagonists have different views about the Empire and this initially puts them at odds with one another. It would have been easy and far less interesting if they were all closeted activists, etc.
I really hope to read more about these characters in an adult novel like this.

[Cecilia]

I finished this book a short while ago and I must say that it was definitely a book that is worthy of EU fans.
I watched Rebels before I read this book and the show didn't give the characters much personality. This book, however, makes Hera and Kanan likable and my favorite characters in the book and show.
I would definitely recommend this book to any EU fan.

[Grady]

I loved how it started laying the groundwork that connected Revenge of the Sith and Rebels. It was great to see how Kanan and Hera met. We got to see a cyborg villain who was almost as detestable as General Grievous and Darth Vader: Count Denetrius Vidian. Rae Sloane was also great because she appears in the Aftermath Trilogy, which makes her presence connect Revenge of the Sith, Rebels, and The Force Awakens.

[Khurram]

I really liked especially not just how Hara and Kanan met, but Kanan following a pretty girl rather than a cause. This was one of the first book so the post Disney era and it made me happy to see the things to come.