last reads

Star Wars: Battlefront II: Inferno Squad by Christie Golden Publishing Information: Hardback; 307 pgs Publisher: Del Ray; 25 July 2017 ISBN: 9781524796808 Series Copy: Out of Pocket Reviewer: Tyson Synopsis: "The Rebellion may have heroes like Jyn Erso and Luke Skywalker. But the Empire has Inferno Squad. After the humiliating theft of the Death Star plans and the resulting destruction of the battle station, the Empire is on the defensive. In response to this stunning defeat, the Imperial Navy has authorized the formation of an elite team of soldiers, known as Inferno Squad. Their mission: infiltrate and eliminate the remnants of Saw Gerrera’s Partisans. Following the death of their leader, the Partisans have carried on his extremist legacy, determined to thwart the Empire—no matter what the cost. Now, Inferno Squad must prove their status as the best of the best and take down the Partisans from within. But as the danger intensifies and the threat of discovery grows, how far will ...

Barnes and Noble Exclusive Edition Hardback Thrawn by Timothy Zahn Publishing information: Hardback; 448pgs Publisher: Random House; 11 April 2017 ISBN: 9780425287071 Series: Star Wars Copy: Out of pocket Reviewer: Tyson Barnes and Noble Synopsis: " One of the most cunning and ruthless warriors in the history of the Galactic Empire, Grand Admiral Thrawn is also one of the most captivating characters in the Star Wars universe, from his introduction in bestselling author Timothy Zahn’s classic Heir to the Empire through his continuing adventures in Dark Force Rising, The Last Command, and beyond. But Thrawn’s origins and the story of his rise in the Imperial ranks have remained mysterious. Now, in Star Wars: Thrawn, Timothy Zahn chronicles the fateful events that launched the blue-skinned, red-eyed master of military strategy and lethal warfare into the highest realms of power—and infamy." Way back in 2991 Timothy Zahn introduced us to the Chiss warrior known as Mitth'raw...

The Empire Strikes Back: The Original Radio Drama by Brian Daley Publishing information: Audible Publisher: Highbridge Audio; 1 Nov 1993 ISBN: 9781565110007 Copy: Out of Pocket Reviewer: Tyson Audible Synopsis: "National Public Radio's 1981 adaptation of Star Wars was one of the most successful presentations in the history of radio—and a very tough act to follow. Nevertheless, two years later, the members of the Star Wars production team eagerly returned to create a radio version of The Empire Strikes Back. Like its predecessor, this electrifying drama boasts an outstanding cast (including Mark Hamill as Luke Skywalker, Anthony Daniels as See Threepio, Billy Dee Williams as Lando Calrissian, and John Lithgow as Yoda); a greatly expanded script, with many scenes not found in the movie; and audio engineering of unparalleled excellence. The Empire Strikes Back takes you once more into a galaxy of pure sound and limitless imagination for an adventure you'll never forget."...

Star Wars Vol. 3 Rebel Jail by Jason Aaron, Mike Mayhew, and Leinli Yu Publishing information: Paperback; 152 pages Publisher: Marvel; 16 Aug 2016 ISBN: 9780785199830 Series: Volume 3 Copy: Out of Pocket Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "What comes next for the Rebels after the events of Vader Down? Find out as the adventures of Luke Skywalker and friends continue! The Rebel crew are en route to a prison base with a very important captive. But, unlucky for them, they aren't the only ones with their eyes on this prize! And, in another tale from the journals of Obi-Wan Kenobi, journey back to the Jedi's days of exile on Tattooine. Moisture farmer Owen Lars may have taken in young Luke, but he refused to let Ben be part of the boy's life. Now, prepare to discover the reason why! COLLECTING: STAR WARS 15-19, Annual #1" The third installment of the series mainly deals with Princess Leia as she delivers a new inmate to a secret rebel prison when it is attacked by a myst...

Star Wars Vol. 2 Showdown on Smuggler's Moon by Jason Aaron, Stuart Immonen, and Simone Bianchi Publishing Information: Paperback; 144 pages Publisher: Marvel; 26 Jan 2016 ISBN: 9780785192145 Series: Vol. 2 Copy: Out of Pocket Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "Injustice reigns on Tatooine as villainous scum run rampant. Will Ben Kenobi risk revealing himself to do what's right? Then, Luke continues his quest to learn about the Jedi by heading for the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. Plus: Han & Leia are confronted by an unexpected foe from Han's past! COLLECTING: STAR WARS 7-12" Last week I reviewed the first volume of the new Star Wars comic book that covers the time between New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. Volume 2 continues the adventures of the rebels and this time it features a little more of Leia, which was missing from the last book. I don't want to give too much away but in this storyline Han and Leia's struggling romance gets sidelined when someone...

Star Wars: Volume 1 Skywalker Strikes by Jason Aaron, John Cassaday, and Laura Martin Publishing Information: Paperback; 160 Pages Publisher: Marvel; 6 Oct 2015 ISBN: 9780785192138 Series: Volume 1 Copy: Out of pocket Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "The greatest space adventure of all returns to Marvel! Luke Skywalker and the ragtag rebel band opposing the Galactic Empire are fresh off their biggest victory yet - the destruction of the massive Death Star. But the Empire's not toppled yet! Join Luke, Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2 and the rest of the Rebel Alliance as they fight for freedom against the evil of Darth Vader and his master, the Emperor! But when a Rebel assault goes very wrong, Han and Leia will have to think fast to make their escape...while Luke fi nds himself faceto-face with Darth Vader! In the explosive aftermath, a humbled Luke returns to Tatooine to learn more about his mentor Obi-Wan Kenobi. Meanwhile, Leia and Han undertake a vital - a...

Catalyst: A Rogue One Novel by James Lucerno Publishing information: Hardback; 352 pages Publisher: Del Rey; 15 Nov 2016 ISBN: 978-0345511492 Series Copy: Out of pocket Reviewer: Tyson Barnes and Noble Amazon Synopsis: "War is tearing the galaxy apart. For years the Republic and the Separatists have battled across the stars, each building more and more deadly technology in an attempt to win the war. As a member of Chancellor Palpatine’s top secret Death Star project, Orson Krennic is determined to develop a superweapon before their enemies can. And an old friend of Krennic’s, the brilliant scientist Galen Erso, could be the key. Galen’s energy-focused research has captured the attention of both Krennic and his foes, making the scientist a crucial pawn in the galactic conflict. But after Krennic rescues Galen, his wife, Lyra, and their young daughter, Jyn, from Separatist kidnappers, the Erso family is deeply in Krennic’s debt. Krennic then offers Galen an extraordinary opportunity...

Star Wars: Ahsoka by E K Johnston Publishing info: Kindle Publisher: Disney Lucasfilm Press; 11 Oct 2016 ASIN: B01EMJ2VYC Series Copy: Out of pocket Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "Fans have long wondered what happened to Ahsoka after she left the Jedi Order near the end of the Clone Wars, and before she re-appeared as the mysterious Rebel operative Fulcrum in Rebels. Finally, her story will begin to be told. Following her experiences with the Jedi and the devastation of Order 66, Ahsoka is unsure she can be part of a larger whole ever again. But her desire to fight the evils of the Empire and protect those who need it will lead her right to Bail Organa, and the Rebel Alliance..." First I have to come clean and say that I haven't watched the entire Clone Wars series or kept up with new series, Rebels. With that said, I do enjoy the character of Ahsoka and I also wanted to know more about her and I feel as if this book does a fairly good job of filling in the blanks for ...

Star Wars: Legends Epic Collection: The Empire Vol 1 Publishing Information: Paperback; 432 pages Publisher: Marvel; 28 April 2015 ISBN: 9780785193982 Copy: Out of Pocket Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "Let the dark times begin! Marvel welcomes Star Wars to the Epic Collection program, with this first volume of a series focusing on the years that follow "Episode III: Revenge of the Sith"! After the end of the Clone Wars, the Republic has fallen and Palatine exerts his ruthless grip on his new Galactic Empire. Now, the few Jedi that remain must decide whether to hold true to their faith, or abandon it completely in the face of a brutal purge--one carried out by the new Dark Lord of the Sith. Rise, Darth Vader! COLLECTING: STAR WARS: REPUBLIC 78-80; STAR WARS: PURGE, PURGE - SECONDS TO DIE, PURGE - THE HIDDEN BLADE ONE-SHOTS; STAR WARS: PURGE - THE TYRANT'S FIST 1-2; STAR WARS: DARTH VADER AND THE LOST COMMAND 1-5; STAR WARS: DARK TIMES 1-5" I've been on a l...

Star Wars: Darth Vader Vol. 1 by Kieron Gillen and Salvador Larrocha Publishing information: Paperback; 160 pgs Publisher: Marvel; 20 Oct 2016 ISBN: 9780785192558 Series: Ongoing Copy: Out of pocket Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "The original Dark Lord of the Sith stars in his first ongoing series! Ever since Darth Vader's first on-screen appearance, he has become one of pop-culture's most popular villains. Now, follow Vader straight from the ending of A NEW HOPE (and the pages of the new STAR WARS comic book) into his own solo adventures — showing the Empire's war with the Rebel Alliance from the other side! But when a Dark Lord needs help, who can he turn to? As Vader pursues a very personal vengeance against the Rebels and investigates the Emperor's secret machinations, he clashes with weapons scavenger Aphra and deadly Battle Droids, and returns to Geonosis to build an army. But some very powerful people don't want him to learn the truths he seeks! Gues...

Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Alan Dean Foster Publishing information: Hardback; Publisher: Random House Publishing Group; 1 Jan 2005 ISBN: 9781101885550 Series: Episode VII Copy: Out of pocket Reviewer: Tyson Barnes and Noble Synopsis: "More than thirty years ago, Star Wars burst onto the big screen and became a cultural phenomenon. Now the next adventures in this blockbuster saga are poised to captivate old and new fans alike—beginning with the highly anticipated Star Wars: The Force Awakens. And alongside the cinematic debut comes the thrilling novel adaptation by New York Times bestselling science fiction master Alan Dean Foster. Set years after Return of the Jedi, this stunning new action-packed adventure rockets us back into the world of Princess Leia, Han Solo, Chewbacca, C-3PO, R2-D2,and Luke Skywalker, while introducing a host of exciting new characters. Darth Vader may have been redeemed and the Emperor vanquished, but peace can be fleeting, and evil does not easily re...

The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens by Phil Szostak Publishing Information; 256pgs Publisher: Harry N. Abrams; 18 Dec 2015 ISBN: 978-1419717802 Standalone Copy: Out of pocket Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "Step inside the Lucasfilm art departments for the creation of fantastical worlds, unforgettable characters, and unimaginable creatures. The Art of Star Wars: The Force Awakens will take you there, from the earliest gathering of artists and production designers at Lucasfilm headquarters in San Francisco to the fever pitch of production at Pinewood Studios to the conclusion of post-production at Industrial Light & Magic—all with unprecedented access. Exclusive interviews with the entire creative team impart fascinating insights in bringing director J. J. Abrams’s vision to life; unused “blue sky” concept art offers glimpses into roads not traveled. Bursting with hundreds of stunning works of art, including production paintings, concept sketches, storyboards, blueprints,...

Star Wars Battlefront: Twilight Company by Alexander Freed Publishing information: Hardback; Publisher: Lucasbooks; 3 Nov 2015 ISBN: 0345511212 Series: Takes place between Episode IV and V Copy: Out of pocket Reviewer: Tyson Amazon : Synopsis: "A companion novel inspired by the hotly anticipated videogame Star Wars: Battlefront, this action-packed adventure follows a squad of soldiers caught in the trenches of the ultimate galactic war between good and evil. The bravest soldiers. The toughest warriors. The ultimate survivors. Among the stars and across the vast expanses of space, the Galactic Civil War rages. On the battlefields of multiple worlds in the Mid Rim, legions of ruthless stormtroopers—bent on crushing resistance to the Empire wherever it arises—are waging close and brutal combat against an armada of freedom fighters. In the streets and alleys of ravaged cities, the front-line forces of the Rebel Alliance are taking the fight to the enemy, pushing deeper into Imperial t...

Star Wars: Aftermath by Chuck Wendig Publishing Information: Hardback; 346pgs Publisher: Del Rey; 4 Sept 2-15 ISBN: 9780804177665 Series: First novel after Return of the Jedi Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "Journey to The Force Awakens. The second Death Star is destroyed. The Emperor and his powerful enforcer, Darth Vader, are rumored to be dead. The Galactic Empire is in chaos. Across the galaxy, some systems celebrate, while in others Imperial factions tighten their grip. Optimism and fear reign side by side. And while the Rebel Alliance engages the fractured forces of the Empire, a lone Rebel scout uncovers a secret Imperial meeting…" Disney and the people behind Star Wars have decided that all of the books that made up the amazing Expanded Universe are no longer canon. What that means for most people who have spent years reading various novels that tell of the exploits of our favorite heroes and heroines is that you can forget everything you read in the last few decades...

Lords of the Sith by Paul S Kemp Publishing information: Kindle Publisher: Del Rey; 28 April 2015 ISBN: 978-0345511447 ASIN: B00MKZ3VUY Series Copy: Provided by publisher Reviewer: Tyson Amazon Synopsis: "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . . When the Emperor and his notorious apprentice, Darth Vader, find themselves stranded in the middle of insurgent action on an inhospitable planet, they must rely on each other, the Force, and their own ruthlessness to prevail. “It appears things are as you suspected, Lord Vader. We are indeed hunted.” Anakin Skywalker, Jedi Knight, is just a memory. Darth Vader, newly anointed Sith Lord, is ascendant. The Emperor’s chosen apprentice has swiftly proven his loyalty to the dark side. Still, the history of the Sith Order is one of duplicity, betrayal, and acolytes violently usurping their Masters—and the truest measure of Vader’s allegiance has yet to be taken. Until now. On Ryloth, a planet crucial to the growing Empire as a source of ...