hstapp's review against another edition
3.0
I really enjoyed the story going on in this book. Once it got to Coruscant it got really confusing though. Suddenly Wynn Dorvan is one of the trifecta leading the GA instead of Jaxton. It's never explained what's happened. It's treated as if it's always been the case, and is just really very confusing. It feels like there was some kind of communication issue among the authors.
But once you get over the sudden change, the rest of the book is quite enjoyable. I'm looking forward to seeing how everything is resolved in the final book.
But once you get over the sudden change, the rest of the book is quite enjoyable. I'm looking forward to seeing how everything is resolved in the final book.
mferrante83's review
2.0
I finally finished listening to the penultimate volume in the Fate of the Jedi series, Ascension by Christie Golden. On the whole the story and pacing feels about even with the rest of the series. How you taken that statement is entirely dependent on how you’ve felt about the series to date. Ascension isn’t going to win people already against the series over and, in many aspect, it might drive some who were on the fence away. I think the larger problems with Ascension, and with the entire Fate of the Jedi series, rests squarely on the shoulders of the editorial team. From the start I have been baffled by the release schedule and the seeming lack of progress volume to volume on many of the plot points. There are moments over the series, and particularly in Ascension, where the whole narrative threatens to come apart at the seams.
Be warned, BIG spoilers abound!
Ascension features a rather strong opening. In fact, probably the strongest opening in the whole series. We get a fully Sith perspective with some fascinating insights and a detailed look at the culture of the Lost Tribe. Indeed, their interactions with Abeloth provide welcome non-Jedi perspective and Lord Vol (the big Sith muckity-muck) manages to strike as big a blow to the squamous dark side entity as any that Luke has. Unfortunately it is after this wonderful and exciting opening that the rest of the book loses focus and falls apart. Jedi bumble around the galaxy, Daala continues to be non-nonsensical, and the Galactic Alliance continues to prove itself a hopelessly ineffective and wonderfully stupid governing body.
If you plan on reading this novel you should stop reading now as I’m going to delve into major spoiler territory.
So the Sith have infiltrated Coruscant. So has Abeloth. Of course the former doesn’t recognize the latter. The telegraphing of this maneuver is fairly obvious as it happens and Abeloth, in her confrontation with the Sith in charge of the infiltration could not have been more obvious as to who she was. As her alter ego she professes a desperate need to be loved and worshiped by the people of the Galactic Alliance, given what Lord Vol learned at the start of the novel this should have set off major alarm bells. Sure one could argue that the blindness is indicative of Sith arrogance but it really comes off as rather stupid and somewhat unbelievable.
Furthermore the less said about the Jedi searching abandoned Sith strongholds looking for Abeloth the better. I mean why bother trying to convince Vistara to give up the location of Kesh; you know that completely not abandoned Sith stronghold. Meanwhile, as if Sith and ancient Dark Side entities weren’t enough, there is that whole plot to overthrow the Galactic Alliance thing that is totally transformed into a plot to take over the Imperial Remnant. Throw in a totally random and extraneous plot about Moff’ creating some kind of youth serum and the narrative really starts to struggle under the weight of its many appendages. The less said about Daala the better I don’t even understand how she can still find supporters is beyond me.
I won’t lie I really like the idea of Abeloth. I love her Lovecraftian overtones and her mysterious origins. I loved the early parts of the series where Luke and Ben were exploring the deeper mysteries of the Force. I loved Han and Leia’s encounter with Ancient technologies on Kessel. I have been less fond of the novel’s political sections. The dual threats of the Lost Tribe and Abeloth due little to help another and seem to do more damage to one another. I enjoyed the trippy scenes “Beyond Shadows” and miss the more fantastical elements of the series. Those things have all but disappeared. At this point I don’t even know if Ben and Luke succeeded on their initial quest (to determine how Jacen went bad) and that whole Alanna will be Queen of the Jedi angle has completely disappeared here.
At this point I think I’m mostly anxious to see this series end. I think the editorial staff needs to be shaken up and I think a more focused planned for future series needs to be enacted. In truth there are a lot more problems with this series than I’ve commented on and Fangirl does a heck of a better job in detailing the troublesome depiction of female characters in the series both in her review of Ascension and in this lengthy manifesto/open letter. Truth be told there are only two reasons I’m even remotely excited about Apocalypse (which comes out in April 2012….seriously WTF?) the promise (or vague hint of a promise) to answers regarding Abeloth and the dulcet tones of Marc Thompson (and the wonderful audio production of the team at Random House Audio). Seriously, whatever Marc Thompson asks for he should be given the men is a genius and I seriously cannot imagine anyone else reading these audiobooks.
Be warned, BIG spoilers abound!
Ascension features a rather strong opening. In fact, probably the strongest opening in the whole series. We get a fully Sith perspective with some fascinating insights and a detailed look at the culture of the Lost Tribe. Indeed, their interactions with Abeloth provide welcome non-Jedi perspective and Lord Vol (the big Sith muckity-muck) manages to strike as big a blow to the squamous dark side entity as any that Luke has. Unfortunately it is after this wonderful and exciting opening that the rest of the book loses focus and falls apart. Jedi bumble around the galaxy, Daala continues to be non-nonsensical, and the Galactic Alliance continues to prove itself a hopelessly ineffective and wonderfully stupid governing body.
If you plan on reading this novel you should stop reading now as I’m going to delve into major spoiler territory.
So the Sith have infiltrated Coruscant. So has Abeloth. Of course the former doesn’t recognize the latter. The telegraphing of this maneuver is fairly obvious as it happens and Abeloth, in her confrontation with the Sith in charge of the infiltration could not have been more obvious as to who she was. As her alter ego she professes a desperate need to be loved and worshiped by the people of the Galactic Alliance, given what Lord Vol learned at the start of the novel this should have set off major alarm bells. Sure one could argue that the blindness is indicative of Sith arrogance but it really comes off as rather stupid and somewhat unbelievable.
Furthermore the less said about the Jedi searching abandoned Sith strongholds looking for Abeloth the better. I mean why bother trying to convince Vistara to give up the location of Kesh; you know that completely not abandoned Sith stronghold. Meanwhile, as if Sith and ancient Dark Side entities weren’t enough, there is that whole plot to overthrow the Galactic Alliance thing that is totally transformed into a plot to take over the Imperial Remnant. Throw in a totally random and extraneous plot about Moff’ creating some kind of youth serum and the narrative really starts to struggle under the weight of its many appendages. The less said about Daala the better I don’t even understand how she can still find supporters is beyond me.
I won’t lie I really like the idea of Abeloth. I love her Lovecraftian overtones and her mysterious origins. I loved the early parts of the series where Luke and Ben were exploring the deeper mysteries of the Force. I loved Han and Leia’s encounter with Ancient technologies on Kessel. I have been less fond of the novel’s political sections. The dual threats of the Lost Tribe and Abeloth due little to help another and seem to do more damage to one another. I enjoyed the trippy scenes “Beyond Shadows” and miss the more fantastical elements of the series. Those things have all but disappeared. At this point I don’t even know if Ben and Luke succeeded on their initial quest (to determine how Jacen went bad) and that whole Alanna will be Queen of the Jedi angle has completely disappeared here.
At this point I think I’m mostly anxious to see this series end. I think the editorial staff needs to be shaken up and I think a more focused planned for future series needs to be enacted. In truth there are a lot more problems with this series than I’ve commented on and Fangirl does a heck of a better job in detailing the troublesome depiction of female characters in the series both in her review of Ascension and in this lengthy manifesto/open letter. Truth be told there are only two reasons I’m even remotely excited about Apocalypse (which comes out in April 2012….seriously WTF?) the promise (or vague hint of a promise) to answers regarding Abeloth and the dulcet tones of Marc Thompson (and the wonderful audio production of the team at Random House Audio). Seriously, whatever Marc Thompson asks for he should be given the men is a genius and I seriously cannot imagine anyone else reading these audiobooks.
bianca_horkan's review against another edition
3.0
These Legacy books just haven't been that much fun -- and the way this one ended -- wasn't much fun either.
I guess what's why I didn't mark this as "read" until now -- I read it a couple of years ago and forgot all about it.
Some things were good but most things...no.
3 Stars because I couldn't give it 2.5.
I guess what's why I didn't mark this as "read" until now -- I read it a couple of years ago and forgot all about it.
Some things were good but most things...no.
3 Stars because I couldn't give it 2.5.
colinmcev's review against another edition
2.0
There have been some books in this series in which very little has happened, and events unfolded at a slow and deliberate pace. Then in THIS book, a TON happens very quickly... way to quickly. Seemingly important characters are suddenly either killed off or shifted into entirely different directions, enormous consequential decisions (new leadership in the Galactic Alliance, Luke's return from exile, the Jedi abandoning the Jedi Temple, etc.) happen very rapidly. It feels like a cop-out; like the writers realized they were running out of time and kicked things into overdrive. And some of those moves (particularly Luke's decision to purposely allow the Sith to establish themselves on Coruscant... so as to TRAP them) are really, REALLY dumb.
imalwayswrite's review
4.0
Space battles, lightsaber fights, frightening space creatures, and intrigue! My favorite combination! This is the 8th book in this 9-book series and basically sets up the final novel, which doesn’t come out until April 2012 wtf? However, it isn’t merely a place holder as a lot is finally revealed and resolved. I’ve read the Fate of the Jedi books pretty much as soon as each one was published, so at this point, it’s hard for me to say if Ascension works as a stand-alone novel. The fact that I’m questioning it makes me think…maybe not. But I liked it a lot.
cynsworkshop's review against another edition
4.0
http://cynsworkshop.wordpress.com/2013/06/04/ascension-star-wars-fate-of-the-jedi-8/
Christie Golden does not disappoint yet again. Picking up from where the last book left off, Golden does exactly that, picks up the pace of a lagging storyline that seems to have spun out of the original intention of the novel. At least, that’s how it seems.
The interweaving of the plot lines taken by the various point of views of the Abeloth, the Sith, the Jedi ad the younglings coincide with one another to present a very layered novel. Vestara Khai, Sith Apprentice just so happens to be in love with Ben Skywalker, has experience a lot in the company of the Skywalkers, allowing for a lot of character growth. She experiences joy, happiness and a sense of peace and trust that allows her to see more than the Sith path and eventually forces her to throw down her red lightsaber and forsake her path as a Sith and move on to the Jedi path and the embrace of Ben Skywalker.
It’s an angst filled sub plot in the novel that is in a way very nostalgic, reminded readers of the love between Mara Jade, the hand of Palpatine, and Luke Skywalker. The presentation makes the reader feel the torment the pair experience at being natural enemies, and ensnares the reader. But it doesn’t just copy and paste what has already happened between Ben’s parents, this is their own experiences, experience in a completely different way. It also allows younger readers to attach themselves (if by some bizarre circumstance they weren’t attached to Star Wars) to not only the novel but to the Star Wars Universe.
However, that is where the biggest issue springs.
Luke very strong emotional dislike of Vestara goes against everything that has been built to his character. This goes beyond his natural and understandable distrust of her, is expected, and he should not get his hopes up of her turning her back on her culture, but he gives up on the hope. However, that is implying that he had hope in the first place. Not once does he even entertain the hope that she can be saved, or turned. No Luke Skywalker, whose father was Darth Vader, whose wife was the Hand of the Emperor, does not entertain theidea of hope once. The Jedi are not foolish, but hope is a concept they hold close to their hearts, even if they remain optimistic on the issue. Luke is quite frankly blinded by his emotions and distrust, which is contrary to everything he stands for and is.
That little bump in the plot line does not diminish the true beauty of the novel.
The banter itself is priceless and hilarious. When they all gang up on Luke, his niece and son and Vestara, it’s hilarious and the best part off the novel. Golden is a true fan ofStar Wars and knows how to present the characters amazingy! Oh and a true form of nostalgia? Han Solo needs to dress as a Sith Guard to once again break Leia out of a Sith Prison.That moment, that moment was just awesome! Trust me, this is the best book of the series so far.
Christie Golden does not disappoint yet again. Picking up from where the last book left off, Golden does exactly that, picks up the pace of a lagging storyline that seems to have spun out of the original intention of the novel. At least, that’s how it seems.
The interweaving of the plot lines taken by the various point of views of the Abeloth, the Sith, the Jedi ad the younglings coincide with one another to present a very layered novel. Vestara Khai, Sith Apprentice just so happens to be in love with Ben Skywalker, has experience a lot in the company of the Skywalkers, allowing for a lot of character growth. She experiences joy, happiness and a sense of peace and trust that allows her to see more than the Sith path and eventually forces her to throw down her red lightsaber and forsake her path as a Sith and move on to the Jedi path and the embrace of Ben Skywalker.
It’s an angst filled sub plot in the novel that is in a way very nostalgic, reminded readers of the love between Mara Jade, the hand of Palpatine, and Luke Skywalker. The presentation makes the reader feel the torment the pair experience at being natural enemies, and ensnares the reader. But it doesn’t just copy and paste what has already happened between Ben’s parents, this is their own experiences, experience in a completely different way. It also allows younger readers to attach themselves (if by some bizarre circumstance they weren’t attached to Star Wars) to not only the novel but to the Star Wars Universe.
However, that is where the biggest issue springs.
Luke very strong emotional dislike of Vestara goes against everything that has been built to his character. This goes beyond his natural and understandable distrust of her, is expected, and he should not get his hopes up of her turning her back on her culture, but he gives up on the hope. However, that is implying that he had hope in the first place. Not once does he even entertain the hope that she can be saved, or turned. No Luke Skywalker, whose father was Darth Vader, whose wife was the Hand of the Emperor, does not entertain theidea of hope once. The Jedi are not foolish, but hope is a concept they hold close to their hearts, even if they remain optimistic on the issue. Luke is quite frankly blinded by his emotions and distrust, which is contrary to everything he stands for and is.
That little bump in the plot line does not diminish the true beauty of the novel.
The banter itself is priceless and hilarious. When they all gang up on Luke, his niece and son and Vestara, it’s hilarious and the best part off the novel. Golden is a true fan ofStar Wars and knows how to present the characters amazingy! Oh and a true form of nostalgia? Han Solo needs to dress as a Sith Guard to once again break Leia out of a Sith Prison.That moment, that moment was just awesome! Trust me, this is the best book of the series so far.
skywalker07's review against another edition
4.0
I don't know what it was, this book was insanely slow for me. It was basically 450 pages of politics and nothing else. I usually like love that stuff, but man it was hard to push through.
sayoda's review against another edition
3.0
This wasn't one of my favorite books in the Fate of the Jedi series. I think that the story line between Ben and Vestara got a bit over the top and I must admit that I don't find the Sith sections to be all that compelling. Other than that, the book was a fast and entertaining read.
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