Book 1 - 'The Paradise Snare' by A. C. Crispin  

Bantam Press 1997  

Set 10 years before ANH 

 book cover
Story -- Han Solo is 17 years old: he's had a hard young life and dreams of entering the Imperial Academy and becoming an officer (the only way he can see of getting some respect). Using an assumed name, he gets himself what he thinks is a cushy piloting job to raise the necessary funds but, of course, nothing's that easy for Han Solo and he ends up getting dragged into conflict and adventure.

Original characters from the movies -- a very believable young version of Han Solo. But no-one else from the movies; even Chewie has yet to show up. However, the story is so fast-paced and filled with other believable characters, that I didn't feel let down.

New characters -- Bria Tharen, Han's first true love. Not sure how I felt about Han falling for a woman other than Leia, but she's a very compelling character and, hey, you can see the appeal of the young smuggler! ;-) Also: Garris Shrike (mean, nasty piece of work. Grrr!); Teroenza ('nuther icky baddy); some Hutts (more baddies).
 
Cover art -- Han, Bria, and that's a Togorian. Nice piccie.

Chicks -- Bria's a bit of a wuss in this novel, but she improves later! I also feel compelled to mention that she has 'red-gold hair' - is this as common in the SW galaxy as the name 'Antilles'??!?

Any good? -- you betcha!! Crispin has obviously read most, if not all, of the Bantam books up to and including the Corellian trilogy; the characters from the earlier novels get lots of mentions, so it all feels tied in. She also manages to incorporate several of the characters and situations from the Classic Trilogy movies, and I REALLY like her characterisations. The flashbacks to Han's childhood aren't overdone, there's a cute little visit to Alderaan, and it's nice to see the Imperials aren't the only bad guys in the galaxy.

Read it? -- COMPULSORY for the Han fans, recommended for everyone else. A good book.

Rating -- 8 out of 10
 

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