Shadow Games

Set shortly before the original movie, it's about Dash Rendar, a mercenary who I guess was significant in Shadows of the Empire, but as I last read that back when it came out in 1997, I can't say I really remember him. Dash is hired to be a bodyguard to a holostar whose been experiencing a number of threats on her life; along the way, Han Solo manages to insert himself into the narrative as well.

At this point, fun standalones are what I want out of the EU, but this one didn't hit the mark for me. Too fast, too many complications that ultimately got ridiculous, too little emphasis on character. I think there was probably an interesting story to be told about Dash's state of mind, his reluctance to join up with a group like the Rebellion show more and so on, his dealing with the trauma of his past, but the novel doesn't really go into that in a meaningful way. It's kind of just there when it ought to be the crux of the story, I think.

Also I am no longer a continuity nut as I once was, but seemingly everyone in the galaxy knowing Prince Xizor was the leader of Black Sun is a pretty big inconsistency with what is literally the only other book to feature Dash and Xizor. So though I appreciate this book was allowed to exist, it's much more of a miss than a hit. show less

This barely deserves the 3stars I gave it, but I am a sucker for all things Star Wars, even the bad stuff.

This was technically written well,nothing awkward structure-wise and the plot moved at a reasonable rate.

But Dash, well, Dash is an idiot and I didn't care for him in [b:Shadows of the Empire|9549|Shadows of the Empire (Star Wars)|Steve Perry|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1320513836s/9549.jpg|858558] and this rendering didn't endear him to me any more. Leebo was still a wise-ass robot and Han was, well, Han.

Glad I didn't buy this, only borrowed from the library...

The first Star Wars book I've read in 4 years was a good welcome back to the fold. Set just before A New Hope this is a prequel of sorts to Shadows of the Empire, showing a little more of Dash Rendar and everyone's favourite smuggler, Han.

An entertaining tale, there was nothing really original about it, but it was fun nonetheless. I look forward to reading the rest of the Star Wars books I've neglected these past couple years.