Anybody want to talk about Shadows of the Empire?

[Peter]

I read the Jr. Novelization when I was a kid. I saw the novel at a used bookstore and I am going to start it this weekend. I am stoked. I didn't realize it was part of a huge promotion for the Special Editions George Lucas released in Theatres in the 1990s. I remember going to see those in the theatres. So cool to see the Original Trilogy in the theatres as a kid.

[Allyssa, Former Moderator/Group Founder]

I might read it someday.

[Peter]

Yeah. I'm about 100 pages in and so far it's been fun. I really can't stand Prince Xizor. Which means he's probably a pretty good villain.

[Allyssa, Former Moderator/Group Founder]

Haven't read it, but hope you enjoy it!

[Peter]

thanks. I'm almost finished. it's a good filler between Empire an ROTJ. really can't stand Xizor. he's one of those annoying villains that you just want to see get punched in the face.

[Peter]

Shadows of the Empire by Steve Perry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a fun and nostalgic read.

Shadows of the Empire was a promotion in the 1990s that involved toys, comic books and even a junior novelization. It came out before the polarizing special editions.

Say what you want about the special editions, I remember how special it was going to the original trilogy in theatres as a kid in the 1990s. That was cool. I also remember the junior novelization of Shadows of the Empire. It took me back to read the novel.

Han is frozen in Carbonite and Luke has learned that Darth Vader is his father. Luke, Leia and Lando have a contact named Dash Rendar who had information about where Boba Fett is hiding.

Meanwhile, the head of the Black Sun criminal organization, a Falleen named Prince Xizor, wants revenge on Darth Vader for the death of his family. He plans to do so by having Luke Skywalker killed, and framing the Dark Lord of the Sith for the act. While Prince Xizor enjoys the favor of the Emperor, Darth Vader suspects the Falleen is not to be trusted.

Many dots between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi are connected. When did Luke build his lightsaber? How did he Bothans get the information about the second Death Star to the rebels? How did Leia get a bounty Hunter uniform and a thermal detonator? What's with Chewie's new haircut in ROTJ?

This was an enjoyable story with a lot of nostalgia. It had the feel of the original trilogy with the freshness of a new story. The villain, Prince Xizor, was truly hateable. And Darth Vader got to be kind of the good guy. Because, honestly, who doesn't cheer for Darth Vader when they watch or read Star Wars?



View all my reviews