philipf's review against another edition
4.0
Strange experience, reading a guidebook for a fictional version of a real place (that was created as an extension of a bunch of stories).
theswindler90's review against another edition
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
camphalfblood's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
It's a look into the "history" of Batuu. This guide explains each of the buildings and their backstories in-universe, so it's fun to use as a stepping off point for your imagination when visiting galaxy's edge.
imamandajulius's review against another edition
4.0
This is a fun book, but definitely designed for a very specific type of person. I'd recommend it to people about to visit Galaxy's Edge who want to know about the land and places so they can soak in every detail. I'd also recommend it to people like myself who have visited Galaxy's Edge, loved it, and want to reminisce.
If you're not really a Star Wars fan, then this is likely not worth your time.
If you're not really a Star Wars fan, then this is likely not worth your time.
vfrankel's review against another edition
4.0
It's been about thirty years since the galactic civil war. That puts the era in the time of Poe, Finn and the Resistance. With the destruction of the Hosnian System in Force Awakens, the Resistance is operating openly and fighting for survival. The guidebook is even-handed in its language, calling General Leia a leader of “either freedom fighters or instigators,” perhaps even “warmongers.” This lets the guidebook appear neutral politically, but in the real world supports fans of the Sith as well as the Resistance. Advice on dress, language, and money for traveling (basic language and currency are accepted here; dress in layers) certainly seems geared for Disney visitors while trying not to break the magic.
Batuu is a neutral planet with no formal government, far on the “galaxy’s edge” indeed, as the map reveals. The First Order has landed but outside the outpost “there is even evidence of Resistance forces gathering nearby.”
There’s a quick mention of nearby planets like Endor, aiding to put the planet into Star Wars’ larger worldbuilding context.
A full two-page spread map shows the complete land with all the buildings like the Droid Depot and Black Spire. Many of these are shops and food stands. Colorful pictures reveal the alien flora and fauna. Ship guides, droid guides, stormtrooper schematics, and so on are presumably fun for fans, though they can be found elsewhere as well. There’s also a lightsaber diagram, presumably to aid in individual construction. There are also colorful pictures of all the exotic drinks one can actually order. The book tries to keep t-shirt racks emphasized, but they still appear on occasion, much as in the real park.
Central characters have profiles in brief stories that feel like NPC bios in a computer game. Indeed, NPCs are one of the closest analogies, though the characters show up in Star Wars novels where they gain a little depth. This guide presents deeper histories, tying in fan-favorite characters from the larger universe like Grand Admiral Thrawn and Hondo Ohnaka. The pod racing scenes from Phantom Menace feel a bit incongruous as they are not actually present, unlike the shops.
It’s a nice souvenir guide or virtual visit to the park, weaving its existence into the larger universe. The book ends with a phrasebook, packing guide, gambling guide and so forth – all more fictional than realistic but able to supply a bit more local color.
Batuu is a neutral planet with no formal government, far on the “galaxy’s edge” indeed, as the map reveals. The First Order has landed but outside the outpost “there is even evidence of Resistance forces gathering nearby.”
There’s a quick mention of nearby planets like Endor, aiding to put the planet into Star Wars’ larger worldbuilding context.
A full two-page spread map shows the complete land with all the buildings like the Droid Depot and Black Spire. Many of these are shops and food stands. Colorful pictures reveal the alien flora and fauna. Ship guides, droid guides, stormtrooper schematics, and so on are presumably fun for fans, though they can be found elsewhere as well. There’s also a lightsaber diagram, presumably to aid in individual construction. There are also colorful pictures of all the exotic drinks one can actually order. The book tries to keep t-shirt racks emphasized, but they still appear on occasion, much as in the real park.
Central characters have profiles in brief stories that feel like NPC bios in a computer game. Indeed, NPCs are one of the closest analogies, though the characters show up in Star Wars novels where they gain a little depth. This guide presents deeper histories, tying in fan-favorite characters from the larger universe like Grand Admiral Thrawn and Hondo Ohnaka. The pod racing scenes from Phantom Menace feel a bit incongruous as they are not actually present, unlike the shops.
It’s a nice souvenir guide or virtual visit to the park, weaving its existence into the larger universe. The book ends with a phrasebook, packing guide, gambling guide and so forth – all more fictional than realistic but able to supply a bit more local color.
wingedpotato's review against another edition
4.0
Nice bonus book that enriches the lore of Galaxy's Edge. Recommended reading before you go so that you can look out for easter eggs and make sure you hit the highlights.
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