Book 3 - 'Rebel Dawn' by A. C. Crispin  

Bantam Press 1998  

Set 2 - 0 years before ANH 

 book cover
Story -- Han's off to Bespin for a big sabacc tournament, still trying to make his fortune and to forget the love of his life. Bria, meanwhile, is heavily involved with the fledgling Rebel Alliance. I'm not giving anything away by telling you the book ends with Han's first appearance in ANH.

Original characters from the movies -- Han, Chewie (visit to Kashyyyk and get to meet his wife!), Lando (he's in this book more than the others; good explanations of some of his and Han's comments/interactions in the movies), Boba Fett (has a couple of missions), Jabba.

New characters -- Bria (she's starting to scare me!), Winter (age 17), Xizor and Guri ('Shadows of the Empire') and miscellaneous other recognisable reprobates.
 
Cover art -- Han, Chewie and Lando, looking as they do in the movies.

Chicks -- Bria (now 26) has changed completely since the first book; she's now much more confident and self-assured, if a little ruthless. Winter's character is brilliantly written - Zahn should be proud. Guri's only in this one briefly, but it's still nice to see her again.

Any good? -- The Big Ending to the trilogy! References to the 'Adventures of Lando Calrissian' trilogy, and also three 'interludes' giving quick descriptions of Daley's 'Han Solo Adventures' trilogy (all three of which occur during this book). Explanations of how Han won the Millennium Falcon and ended up in the Mos Eisley Cantina with a price on his head. Lots more Imperial stuff as the Emperor tightens his grip on the galaxy, and the sense of foreboding is building. Most people say this is the best book of the trilogy, altho' I believe it's pipped at the post by book 2. Whatever - just read all three, then decide for yourself!

Read it? -- should be made compulsory for all fans of the Original Movie Trilogy!

Rating -- 9 out of 10
 

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