Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Countdown to the 'Apocalypse'


Two weeks from today we will finally get to read the culmination of the latest EU series, Fate of the Jedi. The series began THREE years ago with Fate of the Jedi: Outcast. And it continued on as a nine-book series.

First I'd like to ask how many of you are still reading these books? I have been a reader since I was in high school, losing some faith at the beginning of NJO, having it regained, enjoying the Dark Nest Trilogy and then not being able to keep myself from being sucked into the downward spiral that followed. I have tried to quit. I promise you I have. There have been several occasions in which I bought the latest book thinking to myself, "This will probably suck, and if it does, I'm done." And then something in it would catch my eye and make me want to keep going, and I'd curse myself for not having the willpower to stop.

For those of you unfamiliar with the history of how these books have been published in the past, Bantam published them starting with the Thrawn trilogy through Vision of the Future. The books weren't necessarily meant to flow in one, cohesive story, were published out of order and sometimes even sort of contradicted each other. It was difficult I'm sure to write a book that came between two others that had already been published because you didn't have much room for creative license. I also am under the impression that they weren't very forward thinking in how they wanted the books to progress as a whole. Perhaps in the beginning they didn't really expect there would be demand for lots of books, so the idea of a few stand-alone novels made sense. But then once they became popular they had sort of painted themselves into a corner.

Those that first batch of books was full of stand-alones, a few paperback trilogies and I think just one duology to end the series. Anyone who has read Specter of the Past and Vision of the Future knows that they really did a good job of sort of closing out that entire era and even really giving us what many could've seen as a satisfying end to the adventures, under the assumption that after that everything was just fine and dandy in the Star Wars universe.

Then Del Rey took over. Immediately they planned a huge series following one story line to encompass nineteen books, hardcovers, paperbacks, e-books, covering a few years in the Star Wars universe and killing a couple of main characters in the process. Talk about a change of pace. It used to be that you'd buy a Star Wars book and get to the end and that was just... the end. Sure, you wanted a new book just because they were fun to read but you didn't feel this intense need for the next book just so you knew what was going to happen next - of course with the exception of the trilogies.

Many of these New Jedi Order books did sort of feel like they had endings and weren't necessarily huge cliffhangers, but you still wanted to know what was going to happen next and how they were going to face this new enemy and if they were going to lose their galaxy in the process. I'd like to say that while there were certain things I of course didn't like about that series - and I'm sure most of you could probably guess which things and would agree with me - I did find it to be an enjoyable series overall and it kept me on the edge of my seat with a real sense of fear that they might not triumph in the end. I could go into a lot more detail on NJO, but maybe that is for another post.

But, man, nineteen books is a lot to swallow! And after all of that I had been looking forward to some more stand alone novels. What we got next was the Dark Nest trilogy, which took place I believe five years after the NJO ended. Let's assume that was because for five wonderful years they maybe weren't under threat of death and could live normal lives. I enjoyed that series, even though a little weird but probably mostly because Troy wrote them.

Well, then there was going to be another long series. Only nine books this time, okay, manageable. Legacy of the Force. This was where they started to lose me. First of all, things were taking such a dark turn and it was all starting to feel like all of the success they had at the end of ROTJ was utterly pointless if this was how things were eventually going to pan out. They killed more main characters and our heroes had practically become fugitives. There were a few books that barely had mention of Han and Leia. And quite often I was left wondering if this "story" really needed nine books to tell it.

Good won in the end, but they sure did lose a lot in the process. I can't remember what it was in the midst of that series that kept me going, because I'm sure somewhere along the line I thought to myself I couldn't do it anymore. It was probably just one or two cute Han and Leia lines. I'm such a sucker.

Oh, but let's do another nine-book series! And this time let's make them all hardcovers so they cost more! And let's release them incredibly slowly! Let's see, the nineteen New Jedi Order books came out over a span of four years, so nearly five books a year. This one came out over three years, obviously three books a year (see? I'm good at math, too). Even more maddening was that a few of them were awfully short, making me wonder why I was waiting so long for these, paying so much and just not getting that much content. Plus, many of them just felt like they were filling in space to stretch the story to so many books.

But look at me now, still reading them anyway. I bought that first book once again with the intention of giving it this one last chance but hopefully finally being able to stop buying new books forever. Well, then something really interesting happened and I was incredibly curious as to how it was going to pan out. Of course that interesting plot point hasn't been a widespread issue as I expected and they haven't made that big of a deal out of it, but there have at least been lots of cute Han and Leia moments in it.

And now for those of you still with me, it's time for this series to come to its end. Apocalypse, the final book written by Troy Denning, comes out two weeks from today. The last book came out in August making this probably the longest stretch between books, though not quite as long as originally scheduled as it was pushed up from April. Is anyone excited for this book to come out? I am not sure what I feel.

I will say I've enjoyed the last few books and some of the things that have happened in them. I was definitely mad when I had to wait such a long time for this series to come to its end. At the same time, the fact that it is called Apocalypse can't possibly mean anything good, can it?

Normally when a book release date gets close, I start scouring the internet for bits and pieces from people who got to read advanced copies. I knew Chewie was going to die before I read it. I knew Jacen was going to die. I do recall somehow managing to keep myself from reading that Anakin died, although I knew there was a death and for a while people talked in code about how "Jimmy" was going to die and I think I sort of figured out who they were talking about anyway.

This time around, internet spoilers are notably absent. I'm not the only one who has noticed this, either. People who have read it aren't talking any more than just to say that they liked it. They aren't even talking in code about certain things or alluding to any major plot points, or even minor ones. And there are plenty of people complaining on message boards about how nobody is spoiling it.

Do I want to be spoiled? I don't know. For most of the recent books I felt the story was kind of uninteresting enough that knowing beforehand that certain things were going to happen wasn't going to interfere with my enjoyment of the books. And I'm sure I'm right about that. I don't recall reading a spoiler and being mad that I knew it since it ruined things for me when I got to it. Except when someone told me Bruce Willis was dead the whole movie before I saw it, because THAT ruined it. And I wasn't looking for spoilers.

That said, there have been times where I've intentionally tried not to know anything before. Episode I comes to mind. I remember averting my eyes during trailers on TV, not reading anything or wanting to see too much. What a waste of effort. So at this point, if someone on the internet doesn't talk I'm left wondering if I can keep myself from flipping straight to the end probably before I even pay for the stupid book at the store. I may either read it fairly intently to see what it's all about, or just skim for the very easily identifiable words "Han" and "Leia" (I have amazing Han and Leia detection skills as my eyes automatically zero in on those names if printed on a page) and make sure that they're still alive. But I don't know! I can't make any promises either way.

So again, anyone excited about this book? Anyone eagerly (sort of) awaiting its release and intending to read it as soon as it comes out? Speaking of which, as a side note, the week of March 18th we are skipping the EU book club so your faithful bloggers can take a break from old books to read the new one. So this week will be Darksaber, then Planet of the Twilight, and then no old EU book the following week. We may take two depending on how long it is, but we'll see when we get there.

69 comments:

  1. I am eagerly anticipating the release of this book. This is the first time I've had to wait for a book (since I got into this game late) and I can say that I DON'T LIKE having to wait!!

    Part of my anticipation is for the Jaina/Jag storyline (I know you aren't much of a J/J fan). But I'm also very curious as to how they will wrap the entire series up.

    I hope that the title isn't indicative of how things turn out for the Jedi and for our favorite couple and characters!

    But I will be buying this on the day of its release and reading eagerly! I'd rather go in 'blind' without and spoilers and I will try my best not to thumb forward looking for H/L or J/J parts, but I can make no promises. :-)

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  2. I haven't really bothered that much with anything beyond Dark Nest. I've got a few of Legacy of the Force, but not all of them, and I've got Millennium Falcon, but haven't touched Fate of the Jedi.

    The reason? I hate Han and Leia being old. Yeah, I know they have to get old, but give me a break, they just keep jumping ahead so far in time that the characters are already much older than their actors. Why keep going forward like that, and making them even more ancient? It's just depressing. What is even more depressing is that I know now that they are being written really well in the last lot of books, more than ever and I just think, why couldn't they have been this way when they were younger? I don't know about you but I would much rather read about them a lot earlier in their relationship than them being old and wrinkly. It feels like they've gone forward in time so much that there's so many things they've missed from their youthful days that could have been filled in, and now I doubt those will ever be covered in pro fic. But hey, we have fan fic I suppose.

    I hope no one dies in Apocalypse. If they kill Jaina then my love affair with Troy Denning will be sorely tested! He would then have killed off all three of their children. But, I honestly don't believe he would do that, and he's said he's a big Jaina fan, so here's hoping.

    So yeah, whilst I love Han and Leia being written so well, and being together all the time, I guess I'm just bitter it's taken them until they're almost too old to even move to get it right. :(

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  3. Very informative post. I had no idea of the behind the scenes in the book world. Since having gotten back into the EU only about seven months ago, I have been reading piecemeal and several books at once. I've been trying to figure out the entire Han and Leia story arc. I have stayed away from the legacy books for now. I have listened to Abyss, which I enjoyed. I checked it out from the library out of curiosity. I am currently listening to Outcast, but I am only on chapter 4. I intend to listen to all of the Fate of the Jedi that I can get from the library. I am nervous for Apocalypse. I need to know that all my favorites (Han and Leia) remain alive and well. I must know everything will be fine before reading it. I will search for spoilers to calm my fears. I've already have my daughter on spoiler alert for me, as she is connected with many Star Wars sites. She said their has been no clues about the book out in cyberland.

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  4. I haven't really bothered that much with anything beyond Dark Nest. I've got a few of Legacy of the Force, but not all of them, and I've got Millennium Falcon, but haven't touched Fate of the Jedi.

    The reason? I hate Han and Leia being old. Yeah, I know they have to get old, but give me a break, they just keep jumping ahead so far in time that the characters are already much older than their actors. Why keep going forward like that, and making them even more ancient? It's just depressing. What is even more depressing is that I know now that they are being written really well in the last lot of books, more than ever and I just think, why couldn't they have been this way when they were younger? I don't know about you but I would much rather read about them a lot earlier in their relationship than them being old and wrinkly. It feels like they've gone forward in time so much that there's so many things they've missed from their youthful days that could have been filled in, and now I doubt those will ever be covered in pro fic. But hey, we have fan fic I suppose.

    I hope no one dies in Apocalypse. If they kill Jaina then my love affair with Troy Denning will be sorely tested! He would then have killed off all three of their children. But, I honestly don't believe he would do that, and he's said he's a big Jaina fan, so here's hoping.

    So yeah, whilst I love Han and Leia being written so well, and being together all the time, I guess I'm just bitter it's taken them until they're almost too old to even move to get it right. :(

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    1. Claire1976, I had the same thoughts about the "old issue" when I started to get back into the EU. Once I started reading some of the stories, I thought, Hell I hope I'm that strong and sexy when I'm in my 60's/70's. Quite frankly it's giving me hope and motivation.

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  5. I haven't read any of the later books, and I wasn't aware of the history behind them. From the things I've read, I'm actually afraid to read them, but I've learned pretty quick not to trust most the reviews (yeah, COPL was such a great buy, thanks internet). Someone bought me Dark Nest I and Star by Star as gifts. I'm not sure if they would even make sense if I haven't read any of the other books (perhaps one of you could tell me!). Anyway, I haven't really touched them.

    Now you've got me interested in this. But again, I have no idea if walking into the middle (or the very end) of something would make sense. I have always dug the FOTJ covers. Though it would appear that in the Star Wars universe, no one ages much.

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  6. I have been reading this series as I keep getting sucked back in even when I swear I am leaving the EU forever. I refuse to spend money on them though. I was highly irked that the last one wasn't available as an e-book at my library to borrow for ages. I am totally hooked on the ability to type in "Leia" in the seach box on my Nook and go immediately to the next time Leia shows up. looking forward to this one bcs Troy Denning can usually be counted on to do right by Han and Leia but as you pointed out, he has killed off two of their kids so far. and surely the title doesn't bode well.

    BTW... if you need blog material while you're reading the new book, and if I can't get my hands on it at the library, I might be persuaded to continue my trend of reviewing EU books that no one else has bothered to read :-)

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  7. It's not that I DISlike Jaina and Jag, they just don't really draw my attention or make me care that much what happens. Although Jaina is in her late 30's now, isn't she? Come on, let the poor girl settle down! Plus it would be very sweet to let Han be father of the bride.

    Age, yeah, it is annoying. I've said before, since the end of ROTJ Harrison has aged from 40-69. If you talk about books starting from the end of ROTJ, Han has aged from let's say 33 to... what is it, now, 75 or so? Somewhere WELL into his 70's. Yeah, it makes no sense. My two ways of trying to rationalize this are 1: humans don't age quite the same way in their universe, like maybe 70 is more like 50. Or 2: they had to accelerate the timeline and leave large gaps to maybe insinuate that there were some periods of their lives in which nobody was shooting at them and they got to be normal and those don't make for interesting books, though we sure enjoy fanfic on the subject ;)

    JZ, I search for "Leia" all the time! I hate that you can't really search for Han though because han falls in the middle of too many random words, so you get superfluous results. I really only just wanted to be able to use the word superfluous. Also JZ, don't worry, we're reading this book. Although it will be decided later whether we do it as an "official" EU book club review, a special, or save it for when it falls in our sequence.

    Oh, back to the old thing, I never picture them old in my mind. They look the same. No matter how often Allana calls Han Grandpa.

    Don't blame Troy for killing the kids. I am pretty sure it wasn't his fault.

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    1. I actually read an interview with Troy, he said that he imagines the characters of SQW running for cover when they see him comming - he's had to kill off so many of them. Which is why he created Flow-Walking in the legancy series. as a way to bring back Anakin for a bit. He was really mad when he had to kill Anakin, and I guess lobbied pretty hard against it. too bad he didn't win. :(

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  8. I know, I know. It wasn't Troy's idea to kill the kids.

    depending on the format of the book I have success searching for "(SPACE) Han (SPACE)". but it doesn't always work, and "Leia" is easier to search for. also, "kiss" usually produces good results, if there are any.

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  9. Oh, i'd love to see Han as father of the bride. Can't one of the Solo kids get a reasonable life. And more grandkids too.

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  10. It makes you wonder though how many more of these books with Han Leia and Luke they are going to keep churning out. They surely deserve a peaceful retirement now don't they?

    I'm also a bit irked that as both the Solo boys have died there's no one to pass on the Solo name, which I think is kinda sad.

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    1. Agreed about the Solo name. I thought that too.

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  11. Unless one of the girls has a boy who for whatever reason doesn't take on his fathers name and takes Solo instead. That would probably be Allana, because it looks extremely likely that Jaina's offspring would have the name Fel.

    For what its worth there is no one with the name Solo in the Legacy comics which are set about a century later, but there are Fels and Skywalkers.

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  12. I'm so relieved to know that I'm not the only one who just reads the Han and Leia parts of these books. In fact, these books in particular, I find I don't care about Luke, Ben and their constant battles and searches for Abeloth. I can read the first chapter of the next book for a summary of what's happened so far, and then just look for what I'm interested in.

    I find the main storyline of Abeloth and Ship and all that so utterly confusing. Why did they just abandon the original premise for setting out in the first place? Remember how they were going to follow Jacen's travels and try to determine what he learned and why he turned Sith. I also find I just don't care. I've never been a big Luke fan, so when they killed Mara Jade, they really took away my last interest in his story.

    I will read it, lament how much I spent for the Kindle version, and wish there was more Han and Leia. I did read on Club Jade that there will be a Han centered novel set during the OT timeline coming down the pike at some point. I'll be anxiously awaiting that, for sure.

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    1. Here's what Club Jade said about it on 2/22/12:
      (my apologies if this has already been discussed here)

      "On Facebook today, Timothy Zahn reveals a few things about his next Star Wars novel: In addition to starring Han Solo and being set in the original trilogy era, “it will be an Ocean’s Eleven-type heist caper.” Sounds like fun! (via)"

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    2. Just read that at TheForce.Net. They also have a link to chapter one of Apocalypse

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    3. I was irrationally pleased this morning to read in my Facebook notifications that "Troy Denning has accepted your friend request."

      Yes, I know he has a thousand friends. Don't care. Still think it's cool.

      And yes, I know I'm lame. My daughter says so all the time. :-)

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    4. That is cool. And don't worry my daughter thinks I'm crazy. Probably haven't worked up to being lame yet.

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    5. Jz, that really is totally cool! I would feel the same if he was my friend. But I'm not into Facebook.

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  13. Sounds like the Han book will be a great read!

    Am I the only person who, upon getting a new SW novel has to scan through it first looking for all the Han and Leia bits, and reading them first? I can't help myself, and I've tried to be rational and read the book properly, but I can't, and I won't enjoy it until ive checked out those bits first, and then I will read the it all the way through. You all do this, right??

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    1. Nope, you are NOT the only one who does that. Of course later I'm kind of irritated with myself for having skipped ahead and already read all the cute parts before I really get to them, but I need to know before I start that I'm going to like them and they're still alive at the end of the book.

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    2. Yep, I do this, too. Even though I try, try, try not to! It's impossible to not...

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    3. I do the same thing with Star Wars books, searching for the Han and Leia parts too. Other non SW books I read in the regular fashion. In fact, my H/L obsession seems to be getting almost out of control, is that possible?

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    4. I should also say that sometimes I actually read pieces of these sections I find them in, but other times I just want to make sure they play a prominent role in the book.

      Spoilers are starting to leak out. I'm trying not to read them but in our case it doesn't matter much because there is no mention really of what happens to Han and Leia. So I think we can at least assume they live through this one.

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    5. I'm not expecting them to die, as I read months ago that apparently one of the Lucasfilm book editors had said that no one major dies in this series. Who they class as major of course is open to interpretation, but I class Han and Leia as pretty darn major!

      I've felt for a while now that if they are going to get bumped off, and they will, one day, then I want them to die together. Let the falcon blow up with them both on board, or crash or something, I just want them to bow out together, preferably in a blaze of glory.

      Any one else have thoughts on this?

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    6. I don't expect to read them dying, either. I kind of feel as though they will just fade into the distance and we can assume they died at ages 110 and 120 respectively, peacefully in their sleep and together. I don't think Han could handle it if she died and Leia has suffered WAY too much to also lose her husband. I don't want either to ever have to live without the other. I just don't think any death for them could be satisfying and would only be met with harsh words from readers.

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    7. I don't think I could handle anything but a quiet death. I would agree I don't think either of them could handle it. He didn't handle Chewie's death all that well, but we probably want to forget that part. I'm sure they deserve to die in bed together.

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    8. I try not to look ahead to read all of the "good parts", but usually cave at some point. At the least, I scan for the frequency of their names cropping up...and sample a few parts.

      I'm down for an epic death, together. I guess, as long as they're together, that's all that matters.

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    9. Zyra, I would definitely prefer to never have to read their deaths, so like you, ideally would just like them to die sometime "off page" and we just assume that it happens. But somehow I think it won't happen like that. So if it ever does happen in a book, they have to go together.

      It would be heart breaking to read about one without the other, and Han especially, would be a wreck without Leia. Leia would try and soldier on without Han, but she wouldn't be the same. And yeah, she's had way too much heartache already.

      Amara, they deserve to die in BED....lol, oh you mean...SLEEPING...

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    10. Lol, Claire. I kind of meant the other way. :) You know, lying around in bed after a good romp. I guess that would lead to sleeping eventually.

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    11. Yeah, I know that's what you meant. LOL

      But you see, Han + Leia + bed, rarely equals sleep! :)

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    12. Do they even need a bed? Think of Children of the Jedi.

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    13. Haha, I thought that was what you meant for a minute...

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  14. It's nice to know I'm not totally crazy!! :)

    I remember when I first read TG, it was ALL Han and Leia, no crappy Luke bits, and I had no bits to skip over, so I had to speed read it, not really taking in the story at all, but I just needed all the H/L goodness as quickly as possible.

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    2. i'm so happy others skip over annoying Luke parts too! i get crap all the time for flipping forward, but really - there's only so much "BooHoo, I'm a Jedi. I can't have any type of feelings at all, feelings are the darkside." crap I can take. srsly.

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    3. I feel that way when I watch Empire.

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  15. In regards to the current poll question about Leia's favorite part about Han, how can you choose just one? To quote Luke "you want the impossible."

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    1. "Always with you it cannot be done."

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    2. Ha,ha , "that is why I fail". Still can't decide and now amara you added more choices....... can't we just say "I know" and call it a day.

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  16. I'm with Seams on this one. There's a part of him she doesn't like? And you forgot legs, hips, arms, and lips. :)

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    1. Don't forget his chest, and those sparse hairs!

      It was actually George Lucas who wanted Anakin Solo killed off. The original plan was to off Jacen in the NJO, but George decided that Anakin should die because with the prequels coming out at same time it would be too confusing to have 2 Anakins in the frame. What a totally lame reason! Not that it makes much difference because Han and leia would still be losing a son.

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  17. Glad I could help out. And thanks, Claire, for another two. Nice!

    I have a feeling what Leia and I would like would differ. I really like any pic where I get a full view of those long legs.

    Lol, Seams. "I know" says it all.

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    1. amara I beleive you've got your wish with the current background pic :-)

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    2. Oh, his legs are showing in the pic? My eyes haven't made it that far down yet. :)

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  18. I think they can only have a certain number of choices in the polls on here (am I right?) so that's probably why some other good ones have been missed.

    Yes, Leia's opinion on this poll would likely be different to ours. I mean she's seen parts of Han that we will never have the pleasure of seeing. Not that I'm jealous or anything. :)

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  19. I haven't read any of the EU in years, but the later books seems to be one long bummer. As much as the tiny precocious Jedi kids bugged me (and they bugged me rather a lot), killing 2/3 of them off didn't sound like my cup of tea.

    This is off topic, but I think it would have been nice if at least one of the kids had been a non force user. Then s/he could be all, "Jedi, Jedi, Jedi!" (think: Marcia, Marcia, Marcia).

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  20. I just finished listening to Outcast yesterday. The audiobooks are perfect for those days you are in the car more than you are home. I really enjoyed the story. I thought it was well told and I enjoyed the Han and Leia parts. Nice to know they still banter after all these years and they even kiss. They both definitely have their wit and humor about them. There is such an easiness to their marriage. Even Luke and Ben had a nice and, in my opinion, some very funny lines, like when sixteen year old Ben tells Luke that he has had a "bowl cut" hairstyle for decades. My daughters and I laughed so hard, I forgot where i was driving to. My favorite lines were when the new Grand Master is telling Jaina that she has a mouth like her mothers, and he's not talking about the form and configuration of it, but the insults and other words that come out of her mouth, "very much like your mother". There were some other really great lines. I'm really glad that I listened to the book. This is just my opinion, but it was a very pleasant surprise. My only complaint is that our library system doesn't have many of the other Fate books on audio...... I'm hooked now on at least hearing all the Fate books. This might get expensive.

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  21. I should sincerely hope they still kiss, you never get too old for that. I am thinking about finally buying some Fate of the Jedi books, but I will finish getting Legacy if the Force first. But I'm not buying hardcovers, I refuse! Unless they are going cheap on eBay.

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  22. just checked out the book tour schedule on Troy's FB page and he and Christie Golden will be at a bookstore awfully close to me next week. I just might have to break that rule about never buying hardcover books. oh, the dilemma.

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  23. Go for it JZ !

    And if you do and get to speak to Troy you might consider asking him that question I raised over in the Tatooine Ghost thread? No worries if you don't want to or you don't get the opportunity. I know if I met him I'd probably be rendered speechless anyway!

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    1. claire, truth is I've been thinking about that question you raised ever since I "friended" him and wondering how rude it would be to just up and ask him and if he'd answer.

      Whether I ask at the signing will depend on a) if I make it :-) b) if other people are asking questions too, c) if the bookstore allows outside books, in which case I'd bring TG and that would give me an opening, and d) how long I have to wait in line and think about it. if I wait in line a long time I'll give myself indigestion rehersing what to say and then I will lose my nerve :-)

      I still remember how devestated I was the time I gushed like a fool when I met Robert B Parker at a signing and he never even looked up. "Next."

      anyway back to Troy, it does say discussion and signing so maybe he'll talk and take questions first. that would be awesome.

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    2. You could always ask him on Facebook if don't get the chance at the signing.

      It would be nice to get a definitive answer to that question and we can prove all those others wrong. I guess I'm expecting Troy to give the answer we HOPE he would give, and haven't really thought about if he doesn't go along with us. He may give an answer like "it's for you to decide", just to be annoying. But hey, I still love Troy!

      Hope you do go though and you can get your copy of TG signed too.

      If you do speak to him just make sure he knows how much us Han and Leia fans appreciate what he's contributed to the EU.

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    3. I would think he'd sign your other book. I mean, writers are usually not super famous people. They don't get accosted in the street and probably rarely get recognized. So I'd think it'd be fun for them to be amongst their fans in these situations. I also wouldn't think there'd be a huge line when you go, but who knows? More people like Star Wars probably than openly admit it.

      As for the question, I wouldn't even ask. Only because I've already made up my mind on the answer and nobody can change it because, well, it's not reality anyway, right? We can make up our own minds to suit our wants :)

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    4. Good point Zyra. Maybe it is best to use our own interpretation of events. And I'm firmly rooted in the same boat as you on this one.

      Delete
  24. a)it's more the bookstore/venue that decides how much outside stuff you can bring in. some places get really strict about the only thing you can have signed is the new book and you have to buy it there. although most authors tend to do their own thing anyway if you ask nice. I've only been to one or two where I was intercepted by a bookstore employee prior to approaching the front of the line and been read the riot act.

    b)I think that fear of getting an answer I don't like is part of the reason I am chicken to ask. because I am going to want to beleive what I beleive anyway

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    1. Yeah maybe you really shouldn't ask that question. After I'd suggested it I started to worry that we wouldn't get the answer we all want. Whilst most of my brain tells me we will get the right answer, there's a bit that is a bit wobbly about it.

      I guess most of you will be off getting your copy of apocalypse today. I won't, simply because I haven't read this series yet, and I doubt it will even be released over here on the same day anyway.

      Hope it's a good book and nothing bad happens. Enjoy it everyone.

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  25. I've been reading much of the day. Anyone else? Not a ton of Han and Leia - though they are far from ignored - but I'm even enjoying the parts they're not in. Pretty intense so far. 300 pages in, might finish it today if I can push through!

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  26. Wow, Zyra you read fast!

    So did you skip ahead to read the Han and Leia bits or have you been good and restrained?

    Obviously don't give the plot away, but please let us know that everyone we care about survives this one when you've finished it. That's all I need to know at the moment.

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  27. I have been very good and restrained. Which is why I'm reading so fast, so I get to the end before I get impatient and flip ahead there!

    So far we're ok, but that doesn't mean that several parts so far didn't make me very nervous.

    100 more pages...

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  28. And... I'm done. I guess I didn't need two weeks, but we may take them anyway. Definitely an intense book. I will only say that there wasn't a ton of Han and Leia, but even the parts without them definitely kept me reading. And damn it, they're so old! 73 and 63 I think now? Yikes.

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    1. LOL, you definitely didn't need 2 weeks! But I know you read it so fast because you just couldn't wait to start reading The Crystal Star again, could you? :)

      Soooo, I am assuming they got through the book in one piece?

      Yes they are old now. Grrr, why do they have to be old? Still better old than dead, right?

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    2. Oh, The Crystal Star. I haven't read it in 16 years and I still remember finishing it and thinking, WTF WAS that? I wonder if it will seem less weird the second time around?

      And yes, better old than dead.

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    3. Trust me, it's still as weird as hell. I have been flicking through it looking for good bits. There's not many!

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  29. Geez, they are getting up there. When we're that age I'm sure someone will still be calling us young one. I still get that now.

    Would be nice to get some more books when they are young and really frisky. They probably still are frisky even in their 70s.

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    1. Haa, I don't doubt that are still frisky. And of course we know that Han would never ever need viagra!

      I agree that we need more novels of them young. I don't think it will happen, but more stuff pre marriage but after Shadows of Mindor is something that needs exploring. I would also love a post Tatooine Ghost, pre Heir to the Empire novel by Troy Denning that features the pregnancy announcement. Very very unlikely, but a girl can dream.

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    2. Yeah, what's up with that huge gap between Shadows and COPL? I mean, there are the X-wing books but those only cover so much, and certainly not four years.

      I'm sure they are still frisky in their old age. Although there was no time in this book because they were too busy trying not to die.

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  30. Yeah, trying to stay alive would probably get in the way of more fun stuff.

    Ha! I would agree that Han probably doesn't need Viagra.

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