Star wars dark:jed tr: Jedi Knight (Star Wars: Dark Forces) [Taschenbuch]

For most of the book, the writing is back to Dietz' standard from the first one; fast paced but clear and understandable. Unofortunately, the last 20 or so pages would have been better expanded to 40. Again, in those last 20 pages, there are no less than three Jedi battles, a flashback to a huge historical battle, and the ending all stuffed in there. While it works, it would have been better expanded a little.

Also, many of the film characters are out of character. Although they aren't in the book much, Han doesn't sound like Han, and Luke's remembrance of Yoda doesn't sound right (Yoda's talking about subatomic particles or something). Also, this is kind of hard to place in relationship to Rebel Agent, as here Leia is Leia Organa Solo, and in Rebel Agent she is just Leia Organa, but there isn't really enough time between them for either version of her wedding to have occured.

Dorman's art, while not as beautiful as Williams's, is up to his usual standards. Occasionally the people look kind of funky, but all the landscapes, backgrounds and ships are exceptional as usual.

This book really explores much more deeply the workings and motivations of the Dark Jedi, especially Yun but including Sariss and Jerec. It shows clearly how and why the dark side of the Force is so tempting.

The action is still very good, but it was annoying seeing a lightsaber fight described in fencing terms. "She made a head cut, and he responded with Parry 5." Just doesn't sound right.

Still, its a much better book than Rebel Agent and a good conclusion to the trilogy. If you liked either of the others, buy this one.

The book had its moments, and most of the illustrations did the games, and the Star Wars universe credit. Unfortunately, there were some problems with the story (the sequence on the asteroid was a bit questionable so far as realism goes), and the drawings sometimes referred to the wrong pages. The book is better than its sequel, Rebel Agent, but comes up short when taking on the finale to the series, Jedi Knight. Buy that one instead, it isn't hard to figure out what's going on, particularly if you have played the game.

The writing in this book is clear, concise, and crisp. The characters are dynamic and you find yourself caring what happens to them. And although it contradicts the backstory in the Dark Forces game manual, this is a better vision of Kyle Katarns life.

This book also shows a side of things not often seen in Star Wars -- that the stormtroopers are actually human, and the problems inherent in blindly accepting a defector (what if he's really a spy?).

While this all sets this "graphic story album" up as pretty good, what really takes the extra step to making it wonderful are the brilliant paintings by Dean Williams punctuating key scenes every few pages. They are absolutely terrific, and while not always 100% textually accurate are very effective. This book is almost worth buying for these alone.

Unfortunately, this book does have a little bit of a drawback -- the final chapter. This is, word for word and action by action, a retelling of the first level in the game. It could be used as a game guide. "Kyle stepped forward, shot a stormtrooper, opened the door, mowed down the Commando waiting there, etc..." It is kind of awkward and unbelievable the way in which he just strolls through this Imperial base without taking a scratch.

Overall, a very good book. Highly recommended.