The Fifty-Two Catch-up - Books 34 to 44...
Having seen my reading in 2007 drop off to one or two books a month I set myself a goal, to read fifty-two books in one year. I fell slightly behind but due to Force Unleashed and a renew3ed interest in Star Wars I've made good progress on catching up...
Book 34
Dream Warriors
Grame Masterton
An excellent start of a series of horror books. A supernatural team take on demons and the like using peoples dreams as the battle ground. A good book with some horrible gory moments :)
Book 35
The Halls of Stormweather
Edited by Philip Athans
I've wanted to catch up on the escapades of Erevis Cale for some time. This book is an excellent start to the Sembia series and has made me add all six of the follow ups to my to be read pile.
Book 36
Shadow's Witness
Paul S. Kemp
This book started brilliantly, reading Cale take down a ghoul by hand was awesome. Sadly the books second half and ending didn't flow as well as the first but even the author has stated he'd prefer you started reading about Cale with the trilogy not this earlier book as his writing style has improved, but you got to read them in order haven't you ;)
Book 37
Vector Prime
R.A. Salvatore
I'd tried this book a few times before but it never really grabbed me. Having finished it off now as part of my massive New Jedi order catch up I've warmed to it. The plot is a bit more Star Wars-y than quite a few of the books that follow too, an excellent introduction to the Vong.
Book 38
Dark Tide I: Onslaught
Michael Stackpole
Book 39
Dark Tide II: Ruin
Michael Stackpole
Book 40
Agents of Chaos I: Hero’s Trial
James Luceno
Book 41
Agents of Chaos II: Jedi Eclipse
James Luceno
These four NJO books whilst good were just so depressing. I know it's a war and the Vong are 'unbeatable' but they're just so sodding one dimensional at this point. Thankfully Han has stopped being depressed by the end of these and the books actually get quite enjoyable.
Book 42
The Truce at Bakura
Kathy Tyers
I went back to this pre-NJO book as I was about to read Tyers NJO novel and I know these Star Wars authers, they love referencing back to thier ideas (take Zahn for example). It surprised me as it's a very good book. I can't help feeling that Salvatore may have got some of his ideas from this as the whole 'Extra'-galactic threat thing seems way to similar to be a co-incidence.
Book 43
Balance Point
Kathy Tyers
Hmm, some excellent bits in this book but a rather convoluted dream bollocks thingy about Jacen marred it slightly.Thankfully by the end of the book everythings carrying on normally, and the change of tactics by the Vong at the end are a welcome change.
Book 44
Edge of Victory I: Conquest
Greg Keyes
An excellent book ! using the Vong war as a backdrop to a brilliant Jedi vs everyone plot, Keyes has done wonders to re-invigorate the range. The Vong all of a sudden become really interesting as they are shown as a culture not just ships attacking people with organic technology. I'm really looking forward to the next one !
And that's it for the moment. I might go back to reading comics for a few weeks as I have fallen behind but I also have the next Night warriors book too, and the Sembia series, and the NJO series. Hmm, so much to read and so little time.
Laters,
C.