Getting there eventually: Thoughts on Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor

[deaka]

Just finished, and still trying to get my thoughts together. It's fascinating how Stover reinterprets a lot of the characterisation and direction of the EU in the novel; I can see people who don't follow the EU or are dissatisfied getting a lot out of it. It reminds me a little of what Zahn did in VotF, only that was more redirecting the series

Comments

[gabri_jade]

Couldn't have said it better myself; I agree with everything you've said. :D I really need to reread it, because I absolutely know I didn't absorb everything the first time around.

Wasn't the last page great? :D

[deaka]

It kind of surprised me - I wasn't expecting a light finish after everything. But after I got over that, it was very clever. The thing with the similes amused me muchly. :p

[lyore]

Did you find it locally in Oz? Or order it?

I'm really looking forward to reading it, especially since I fall into the 'not reading/dissatisfied with the EU group', and it's been so long since there's been a Star Wars book I've wanted to read!

[deaka]

I had to ask the local bookstore to order it in - ended up arriving pretty promptly, which was good.

I was surprised at how different it is to the rest of the EU - there are sections were Stover is actually having a bit of a dig at some of the more out-there storylines, I think. :p

[lyore]

Sounds like my sort of book :P I'll have to order it.

[archaeologist_d]

I guess I'll have to give it another go. I read the first 2 chapters, then got sidetracked and didn't go back.

[deaka]

It probably is a touch slow at the beginning, but it does pick up quickly once they get to Mindor. (Which I almost wrote as Endor *facepalm*)

[treenahasthaal]

Hmmm, I might have to give it ago. I must admit I like Mathew Stover. Loved the ROTS novel. I also have to admit that I blame Tomothy Zahn for my dislike of the EU. I really dislike his writing and his take on the characters. I know I'm in the minority, so... "shutting up, sir." : )

[deaka]

I like Zahn, but I can absolutely see how, if you don't like him, you'd have issues with the EU - his take on the GFFA has been profoundly influential on its development. But Mindor is kind of subtly revisionist, so I'd say give it a go, especially if you like Stover's writing.

[katajanmaria]

You said exactly what I thought, just with so much better words LOL. And I have to reread it too; it was very complex and I read it in more or less one mouthfull. Already the many methaphors in the book makes it worth a read - next time I'll sit and note them down LOL.

"his characterisation is a natural evolution of both the mouthy, impulsive, slightly ego-driven boy from ANH and the much more sombre and assured Luke in RotJ"
I was impressed with how well Stover managed to get both these traits mixed; in most fanon/canon it's either/or, here we get a completely new level. I seriously hope we could get more of this kind of serious character work in the EU

I must say I love the edge Stover gave Luke; it gave me a kick as a Luke-lover, but also struck me as so much more realistic than most of what's done so far. And even more important; the plot became better by it!

[deaka]

The book really does raise some interesting ideas. And I agree, Luke's characterisation was very good. It's nice to see him as a rounded, nuanced character. And meaningful character development! That also is nice to see in a Star Wars book. :p