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maximusvitale66's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
dmcke013's review against another edition
2.0
"That's impossible! How will the Emperor maintain control without the bureaucracy?"
"The Regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station."
That exchange, from the original Star Wars film, pretty much sums up what would become known as the Tarkin Doctrine: that of rule by fear.
While there have been other Star Wars novels based on the other 'bad guys' (Vader, Boba Fett, etc), this is also the first - to the best of my knowledge - based on Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, as portrayed by Peter Cushing in the films, and the first Grand Moff of the Galactic Empire.
"Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances ..."
While it may not be apparent in the film - particulary when he utters that line seconds before the Death Star is blown up - this also makes him out ot be a strategic mastermind - it is he who oversaw the construction of the Death Star, and he who (in this) works out the identites of those who have stolen his starship that is now cayying out strikes agaisnt Imperial installations, the pursuit of which is the main driving force of the plot behind this novel.
This also goes to show how Vader came to work with Tarkin on board the Death Star, and the defining events of Tarkins earlier life that would go to shape the character he would become.
With all that said, however, the writing style did - at times - put me off, with the novel never really getting me hooked into just what would ahppen next - we all know, for example, that he would survive and not only survive, but prosper by the end of it! It's also not the worst Star Wars book, nor even the worst of the 'New Canon' such books I've read, but nor was it the best - a solid middle-of-the-road entry for me.
"The Regional governors now have direct control over their territories. Fear will keep the local systems in line. Fear of this battle station."
That exchange, from the original Star Wars film, pretty much sums up what would become known as the Tarkin Doctrine: that of rule by fear.
While there have been other Star Wars novels based on the other 'bad guys' (Vader, Boba Fett, etc), this is also the first - to the best of my knowledge - based on Grand Moff Wilhuff Tarkin, as portrayed by Peter Cushing in the films, and the first Grand Moff of the Galactic Empire.
"Evacuate? In our moment of triumph? I think you overestimate their chances ..."
While it may not be apparent in the film - particulary when he utters that line seconds before the Death Star is blown up - this also makes him out ot be a strategic mastermind - it is he who oversaw the construction of the Death Star, and he who (in this) works out the identites of those who have stolen his starship that is now cayying out strikes agaisnt Imperial installations, the pursuit of which is the main driving force of the plot behind this novel.
This also goes to show how Vader came to work with Tarkin on board the Death Star, and the defining events of Tarkins earlier life that would go to shape the character he would become.
With all that said, however, the writing style did - at times - put me off, with the novel never really getting me hooked into just what would ahppen next - we all know, for example, that he would survive and not only survive, but prosper by the end of it! It's also not the worst Star Wars book, nor even the worst of the 'New Canon' such books I've read, but nor was it the best - a solid middle-of-the-road entry for me.
theroguerebels's review against another edition
4.0
As excited as I am for the new unified canon I have to admit up front that the idea of a Tarkin book among the four-book announcement was not the most exciting of the bunch to me. As a Star Wars fan, I’m a guy who might be a little too into adventure and excitement. Tarkin was a character that I never really wondered or cared about the background story of. He’s a megalomaniac who gives the order to destroy a planet with his new toy. He’s a narcissist who refuses to believe a bunch of snub fighters have a chance to harm him. He’s a military warlord with the regal bearing of a politician. What else needs to be said?
Picking up the book and just diving into it I’m immediately drawn in. The opening statement and the implications of creating an “Empire that will endure” is a wonderful portent for the future of the entire Star Wars galaxy. I’m surprised with how quickly Luceno paints a picture of this character that is much more complete than anything we’ve ever had.
As the story starts to move it becomes a wonderful mystery story of Tarkin tracking down his enemies with the focus and ruthlessness of a hunter. The addition of some wonderful character moments between Tarkin, Vader, Palpatine, and even Sate Pestage reveal a lot about the state of the galaxy and the Empire’s dominion, and potentially even the climate of Star Wars: Episode VII. Tarkin’s tactical genius and efficiency in dealing with obstacles are interesting and compelling to watch unfold.
The story ends as a Star Wars story should, with a great sense of finality to the events in the book, and a glimpse into where the threads made here will lead into the future of the Star Wars universe. This book packs a punch with the Imperial intrigue but also doesn’t fail to deliver a lot of Star Wars-style action. Dogfights, blaster shootouts, and even a bit of lightsaber swinging (bet you can guess whose).
All in all my expectations were blown away by the book I was least looking forward to (sorry Del Rey!) It’s definitely something worth reading even if Tarkin isn’t your favorite. It’s a worthy addition to the new Star Wars canon line and judging from this and A New Dawn we’ve got a lot to look forward to!
“Death or renown, ladies and gentlemen.”
-Wilhuff Tarkin
Picking up the book and just diving into it I’m immediately drawn in. The opening statement and the implications of creating an “Empire that will endure” is a wonderful portent for the future of the entire Star Wars galaxy. I’m surprised with how quickly Luceno paints a picture of this character that is much more complete than anything we’ve ever had.
As the story starts to move it becomes a wonderful mystery story of Tarkin tracking down his enemies with the focus and ruthlessness of a hunter. The addition of some wonderful character moments between Tarkin, Vader, Palpatine, and even Sate Pestage reveal a lot about the state of the galaxy and the Empire’s dominion, and potentially even the climate of Star Wars: Episode VII. Tarkin’s tactical genius and efficiency in dealing with obstacles are interesting and compelling to watch unfold.
The story ends as a Star Wars story should, with a great sense of finality to the events in the book, and a glimpse into where the threads made here will lead into the future of the Star Wars universe. This book packs a punch with the Imperial intrigue but also doesn’t fail to deliver a lot of Star Wars-style action. Dogfights, blaster shootouts, and even a bit of lightsaber swinging (bet you can guess whose).
All in all my expectations were blown away by the book I was least looking forward to (sorry Del Rey!) It’s definitely something worth reading even if Tarkin isn’t your favorite. It’s a worthy addition to the new Star Wars canon line and judging from this and A New Dawn we’ve got a lot to look forward to!
“Death or renown, ladies and gentlemen.”
-Wilhuff Tarkin
hom's review against another edition
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Emperor sure likes to make Vader team up with high ranking officials Vader hates and knew before as Anakin huh. First with Tarkin then with Thrawn in Thrawn: Alliances. Thrawn and Tarkin even start with T! Now it’s time for a Yularen book or something.
woodbyte's review against another edition
4.0
After reading this book I have a better understanding of Tarkin than I expected I would
diegoba3927's review against another edition
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.0
gapagrin's review against another edition
3.0
The trouble with books where the villain is the main character is that I'm still seeing them as the antagonist instead of the protagonist and have a hard time really connecting with the character. Whether that's because the character himself is aloof or because I just can't sympathise with an evil bastard who blows up planets, I felt like an observer rather than truly getting into the story. That being said, I still liked seeing more about what motivated Grand Moff Tarkin. Really, in the films, all we see of him before he's killed in the Battle of Yavin is him ordering Alderaan's destruction and then Princess Leia's execution.
Tarkin provides a lot of character backstory to Wilhuff Tarkin, from childhood through becoming the favourite of the Emperor (he's the only Grand Moff - the title was literally created just for him because the Emperor liked him so much). He's cruel and ruthless, but also intelligent, practical, and ambitious. You can see how he's capable of 'holding Vader's leash'. The author does a good job of making him interesting and complicated, despite having his work cut out for him. It's hard to make an evil character a compelling main character, yet Luceno manages to do it. The only real complaint I've got that isn't related to the fact that our main character is a villain (which isn't the author's fault) is that maybe a bit too much time was spent discussing Tarkin's new outfit.
I liked how we could see Tarkin's cunning as he figured out who Vader was from the available evidence and his prior experiences. I almost found myself rooting for him. Almost. I wanted him to solved the problem, but I also wanted the dissidents to win, despite knowing practically nothing about them. I just couldn't get away from the fact that Tarkin is evil, one of the triumvirate that ruled the galaxy with an iron fist, destroyed Alderaan, and motivated the Rebellion.
Tarkin provides a lot of character backstory to Wilhuff Tarkin, from childhood through becoming the favourite of the Emperor (he's the only Grand Moff - the title was literally created just for him because the Emperor liked him so much). He's cruel and ruthless, but also intelligent, practical, and ambitious. You can see how he's capable of 'holding Vader's leash'. The author does a good job of making him interesting and complicated, despite having his work cut out for him. It's hard to make an evil character a compelling main character, yet Luceno manages to do it. The only real complaint I've got that isn't related to the fact that our main character is a villain (which isn't the author's fault) is that maybe a bit too much time was spent discussing Tarkin's new outfit.
I liked how we could see Tarkin's cunning as he figured out who Vader was from the available evidence and his prior experiences. I almost found myself rooting for him. Almost. I wanted him to solved the problem, but I also wanted the dissidents to win, despite knowing practically nothing about them. I just couldn't get away from the fact that Tarkin is evil, one of the triumvirate that ruled the galaxy with an iron fist, destroyed Alderaan, and motivated the Rebellion.
readingryan14's review against another edition
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0