The New Jedi Order 'Enemy Lines 1: Rebel Dream' by Aaron Allston A Del Rey Book, published 2002 Set 23 years after RotJ

Characterisations -- most of the time, pretty good. Allston is known for his humor, particularly in his dialogue, but although this is his fifth SW novel (he wrote 4 of the X-wing novels) it's his first chance at writing main characters (apart from Han Solo). Now, you can get away with Solo uttering funny one-liners, and maybe even Lando and Mara. But some of Luke's lines, IMO, are distinctly out of character - "Clench 'em if you've got 'em"?? Having said that, it's great to see characters joking as well as serious, and having fun when they're not wiping out the enemy - it's more realistic (at least, it is from a human point of view!) and is fun to read. The pilots are brilliantly written, as expected, and I particularly enjoyed the Solos and Lando (I'm starting a campaign for Allston to write a 'Lando' novel!) Lots of minor characters that rarely get more than a brief mention show up, too.

New characters -- we've met his son; now meet his dad! Czulkang Lah taught his boy everything he knows and now he gets his shot at the unbelievers.

Cover art -- (by Dave Seeley) Wedge! In an X-wing! Blowing stuff up!!

Chicks -- Leia, Jaina, Mara, Tahiri, Danni, Iella - they may not be perfect, they may not know all the answers, but these are Star Wars chicks who know how to get things done!

Any good? -- has its moments. Pilot fans will no doubt love it, as will the Jaina fans and 'shippers in general. Those who haven't read Mr. Allston's other novels may well find his lighter writing style a breath of fresh air in the NJO - or they might hate it.

Read it? -- umm... yeah. One of the more 'positive' books in the NJO.

Rating -- 6 out of 10
 
 

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