Reviews

Star Wars: Entführung nach Dathomir by Dave Wolverton

4thcaballero's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Introduces some very good elements such as Dathomir and the Night Sisters, but completely misses the mark with all existing characters and even some of the new ones.

nigelbaker's review against another edition

3.0

Average book that explains the Leia & Han Solo relationship. Not all that great on the personalities of all the characters.

lorelei2186's review against another edition

4.0

The real character development here is Prince Isolder thinking he wants a pretty princess, but realizing that what he needs is a muscle girl who will step on him. 10/10 would recommend.

denisevictoria_5's review against another edition

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

diasparagmos's review against another edition

2.25

It would be very difficult to say that this book is good, but it's still a lot of fun and introduces two of the most interesting eu civilizations 

paintedpolarbear's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

nachtfalke's review against another edition

4.0

Star Wars goes all Shakesapearean comedy of love in this one- which can be genuinely entertaining, if you don't mind the all-encompassing silliness. A classic Star Wars "Zahnverse" novel, this is not, though, and Wolverton's ("Runelord" Farland's!) take on the characters is different - and more one-dimensional - than that of Zahn, or Stackpole/Aalston. Overall, though, still a rewarding read, because the novel brings more to the table than simple fan service.

EXTRA ROUND: I write "Shakespearean", others write "creepy". Han's stalker-ish behavior in the novel, and the general depiction of women as drooling idiots, can be attributed to Wolverton having fun with the characters - or to simple sexist and chauvinist tropes. I read it as an attempt at comedy, because, taken at face value, this novel would feature some grossly inappropriate scenes.

divyareadssister's review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No

0.25

And people think Disney screwed up the OT characters? This book is a complete joke nobody except Luke acted like themselves. It started off good but then it was like the author couldn’t think of anything so it was made up as they went along. 

awishman's review against another edition

3.0

I'm not sure how to rate this book, because I did enjoy it, but it was more in a so-bad-it's-good kind of way; like MST3K. I enjoyed the character of Teneniel, but I thought Space Fabio/Isolder was silly and both Han and Leia acted out of character. But, it was entertaining, and I had fun reading it. But this isn't a good book.

graff_fuller's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

I enjoyed this story, but I would've enjoyed it a LOT more...IF I had not been so connected to the Star Wars Disney Canon, in novels, TV and the movies. 

I was thrown by the major differences on the planet of Dathomir. In Legends, the planet looks basically like Earth. In the Disney Canon, it is a wasteland planet that is steeped in the Dark Side...looks more like Mars (IF Mars was more RED than orange).

Also, there was no mention of Zabrak on Dathomir...which was another head shaker. What?

That aside...the actual Courtship of Princess Leia was fun. I didn't like the Isodore (kept thinking of The Lord of the Rings) at every mention of his name. His focus on Princess was understandable, but for us longtime lovers of the contentious relationship of her and Han Solo...were having NONE of this upstart.

Also, Han Solo seemed (to me, at least) to be a little thicker in the head. Yes, he was a scoundrel...but it seemed he was an oar short at times, which was frustrating. I know that his plans don't always work, but come on!

The Luke parts were fairly good, but it felt shoehorned in...to me. I can see that he was building the connection through the Force between him and Leia, but it was a little heavy handed at times. We get it.

Also, for Princess Leia to be in any way interested in Isodore...seemed odd. BUT, I love how she was her own person. She spoke for herself and had agency throughout the story...which I appreciated.

All the above may seem overly critical, but I'm hear to say...I enjoyed it. I just wish that I had read it BEFORE I had invested all that I have in the New Canon. It was just a little too much for me.

A valiant effort...for sure, but just wasn't a hit for me.

Hopefully this doesn't make me a Disney shill, for I'm not.

Oh, yes...this was my second book read in the Space Opera September 2023 readathon.

This was a Stage Three challange completed: 

By walking in the room, you accidentally insulted the most beautiful alien race in the galaxy (quick distract them by reading a book featuring some romance)
1) 👍🏻Dave Wolverton (Farland) - Star Wars: Legends: The Courtship of Princess Leia (ePub) 402 pgs

This is romantic, but not in the way that I think the makers of this challenge meant it to be. No spicy scenes, but it was still romantic.