Fate of the Jedi: Outcast – Review
So I finished Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Outcast Aaron Allston today. While not the flat out disappointment that the last few have been, it wasn’t nearly as good as it could have been. I mean, the premise for a great book was all there. The Galactic (I originally wrote Galactica, oh BSG how I miss you!) Alliance holds the Jedi Order responsible for the turning of Jacen Solo and all the destruction he caused, so Luke Skywalker is exiled and each of the Jedi are now shadowed by government officials. Interesting! Luke and Ben Skywalker use their exiled time to track down the places Jacen visited for the five years he went exploring before turning to the Dark Side. Also interesting!
But did all of this amount to an interesting read? Heck no. Luke and Ben spend most of their time on the boringest planet imaginable, investigating a mystery that I couldn’t care less about, that leads up to absolutely nothing. Han and Leia are given the most obscure (and boring!) side story for the sole reason of having nothing else for them to do. Hey writers, if you have nothing for your characters to do, don’t include them! Your readers could handle a Star Wars book without Han and Leia. They haven’t been interesting since the Yuuzhan Vong invasion anyway! The only interesting storyline (which was only interesting because it was the only one that included some action) was about Jaina and Jag (the only two interesting characters left in the series since they insist on killing off all the good ones for emotional impact) trying to break out a prisoner from Galactic Alliance custody.
The problem that I’m having with the Star Wars Expanded Universe lately is that the writers are so insistent upon giving Luke, Han, and Leia starring roles. And while as a non-reader, you may think that statement is blasphemous, if you read The New Jedi Order series, you would know how right I was. It was the NEW JEDI ORDER series. It passed the Star Wars torch onto a new generation of interesting and exciting characters. But with the Legacy of the Force series, they reverted back to the same characters who have run their course. They need to leave the older generation back at the Jedi Temple and let the new characters grow and expand the way they did in The New Jedi Order. Otherwise they’re gonna end up with a series full of stale 80 year old characters, and no readers.
Next up is the graphic novel Star Trek: Countdown, which connects the events of Star Trek: Nemesis with the latest Star Trek movie.
June 26, 2009 7:49 am 91 Comments
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By josh, June 26, 2009 @ 8:41 am
I’ve posted this awhile back…but just wondering, since you enjoy graphic novelz, have you ever heard of “City of Glass” by Paul Auster? I read it in a Contemporary Literaturez course in college. Es very good! checkz it out!
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 8:48 am
Sorry it consisted of so much suckage. Oh well, maybe Star Trek will be better.
By Xi_Heather, June 26, 2009 @ 9:10 am
I get really angry when a book is almost good. Bad books I usually don’t even get through [or, if I do, it's with no expectations], but ones that have enough potential that I slog through, and then they don’t deliver, really make me want to demand all that time back.
By polt, June 26, 2009 @ 9:26 am
I got the Star Trek countdown when it came out as individual issues prior to the release of the movie. honest to God, i don’t remember anything about it. But that’s not a negative review, its just not as possible positive as it could be. I should go back and reread them. maybe it makes a more lasting impression if they’re read one right after the other.
HUGS…
By FDot, June 26, 2009 @ 9:38 am
Maybe the next book in the series will be better, I think it just came out a few days ago.
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 9:40 am
Totally off-post topic, but someone posted a link to an on-line comic strip and I ran across this one and in light of the hanky/fisting (they call it flagging) discussions we’re had on Puntabulous I had to post it.
Capitol Hillbillies
The whole site is a blog/comic strip. You can see it HERE
By Craig, June 26, 2009 @ 10:49 am
From a review of the next book:
“As the second in the projected nine book series, Omen is slower paced than the first volume, Outcast (2009), and more devoted to developing the series arc.”
Slower paced = Bad!
Developing the series arc = Good!
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 10:55 am
I haven’t followed the Star Wars books since I, Jedi, but I can see how the same characters hogging the spotlight would get old. The other mega-series of books that I followed was Dragonlance, and at least it followed a plethora of new characters and killed of the original characters from time to time.
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 11:27 am
Tam: I Loved that site, added it to my favs.
And I’ll make a confession that will prob get me kicked off Puntabulous……I’ve never seen more than 5 minutes of any of the Star Wars moving pictures. Borin…(snoring)!!!
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 11:28 am
I know this is going to get me into all kinds of trouble, but I haven’t read any Star Wars or Star Trek novels. I know, I know, blasphamy, constant effect -20 geek points, yada, yada, yada… I just have problems reading any series that is not written by a single author. I mean, at least that way you can have an expectation as to the quality of the book by the previous ones. But when every book is written by someon different you never know what you are going to get, plus you have to read the bad ones just so you can get to the next (and hopefully better) one.
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 11:33 am
Tam: That was awesome!
Mark: I will pretend I didn’t read that so I don’t have to track you down and tie you to a chair and have a marathon of the original Star Wars movies (the supreme court ruled the forced viewing of ep. I, II, and III constitutes cruel and unusual punishment)
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 11:33 am
I prefer books and movies that are more grounded in reality, Like Star Trek.
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 11:37 am
Nico: Would you Please waterboard me first?
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 11:39 am
Mark: Sorry, I am not into water sports
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 11:42 am
M. Nico.: Multiple authors writing in the same universe isn’t necessarily bad. If they work on separate plot lines, you can ignore the bad.
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 11:43 am
Dammit!!!
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 11:44 am
Mark: Didn’t you notice my argyle hanky?
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 11:54 am
M. Nico: Wow, an argyle hanky, don’t tell Craig, he might stick it in the wrong pocket.
What does a chartreuse hanky mean?
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
Okay, that freaking hanky code is getting more and more complex. I’m going for silver lame. Craig so inspired the argyle one. Or a doily. HAHAHAHA That’s funny.
By polt, June 26, 2009 @ 12:03 pm
I havent read any Star Wars books since the mid-90′s. I did enjoy the series with Mara Jade in it…can’t remember the names now. I do enjoy Star Trek books more….and I hope this doesn’t get things thrown at me either.
HUGS…
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 12:08 pm
Tam: I never figured you for a Starf**ker. I always figure you were Medium Blue.
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 12:10 pm
As in “Mounties”
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 12:11 pm
Ohhh, I missed that one. Yeah, I’d do a Mountie.
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
Who wouldn’t?
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 12:18 pm
Mark: I was thinking about what the results of that poll would be.
Puntabulous is heavily dominated by those who would love to do a male Mountie.
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
Cupcake: Come on, they are called “Mounties,” they are just asking for it in my opinion.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
M. Nico.: I am a firm believer in truth in advertising.
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 12:29 pm
Mark: “Who wouldn’t?” You made me laugh out loud.
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 12:35 pm
Cupcake: I think we all have a little Silver Lame and Medium Blue in us.
By Mark, June 26, 2009 @ 12:42 pm
OK, I lied a few days ago and didn’t stay silent till next Wed. But I just love talkin to you guys. I’m going to bed and I’ll try to be better…..Till Wednesday!
Nite Nite!
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 12:45 pm
Night night Mark. Have a wonderful weekend. We love talking with you too.
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 1:02 pm
Mark: G’night, sweet dreams (filled with hanky wearing Mounties)
By polt, June 26, 2009 @ 1:32 pm
I’ve actually SEEN a few Mountie in real life in Toronot, and please allow to assure you they emminently mountable!
HUGS…
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 1:35 pm
Stoned Wallabies.
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 1:47 pm
Geek Dads
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
Ryan: Holy crap. I’m trying to stifle my laughter. The comments are HILARIOUS!!! I am so sending this to my friend Kris in Australia. I’m dying here. Dingos with a ghettoblaster. Bwahahahaha!
By john, June 26, 2009 @ 2:12 pm
I totally know what caltrops are and I love “Birdhouse In Your Soul”.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 2:14 pm
john: Caltrops are an extreme and inhumane method of snagging a Mountie.
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 2:18 pm
Damn, now you’re going to make me click on that caltrop link because living in the land of the Mountie (HQ of Mountieville even) I need to know how to snag one, inhumane or not.
Huh, that’s not going to work and will get me arrested. And I don’t mean that in the kinky lets play cops and robbers way. I’ll keep searching out the ultimate method.
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 2:25 pm
John: Birdhouse in Your Soul is a great song! I need to pull out my old They Might be Giants tapes, it’s been a long time since I have listened to them.
By Jere, June 26, 2009 @ 2:28 pm
I have a bone to pick with the hanky code… wouldn’t simply owning an argyle hanky be enough to establish that you are a geek? It seems like fussing about which pocket you hang it from when wearing it out in public only increases your level of geekitude.
That said, the only hanky I own and carry around with me (usually in my left pocket because my right pocket holds my wallet) is primarily Kelly Green. I’m disappointed at the lack of offers.
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 2:29 pm
M. Nico: Tapes? I got a CD player for Christmas in 6th grade or so, so all of my adult music is in CD form.
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 2:33 pm
Cupcake: *sigh* yes, I was a little behind the times and did not get a CD player until I was forced to by the lack of new music available on tape.
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 2:40 pm
Nico: Casette or 8-track?
By john, June 26, 2009 @ 2:47 pm
Cupcake beat me to it. TAPES?!? I actually have a bunch of tapes too, but I’m not sure I have a tape player that works…
Cupcake: What do I know of mounting Mounties never mind snagging them. I would assume, however, a Mountie would be more easily snagged after falling to the ground from a horse.
Jere: Kelly Green ‘eh? By virtue of my name, I should get one and put it in my right pocket.
M. Nico: TMBG are fantastic! “Flood” is probably my overall favorite, but Mink Car is really good too.
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 2:56 pm
John: There are girl Mounties too. Although I know you’re off the market.
By john, June 26, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
Tam: Oooo, girl Mounties. Excellent. Yup, off the market, but not dead. I can still look.
By polt, June 26, 2009 @ 3:01 pm
I personally like that Constaniople song myself.
HUGS…
By polt, June 26, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
And back to the hankies, honest to God I own three of them a red one, a navy blue on and a purple one (bought the three pack just for the purple one). The only time I use them is when I’m gonna be sweating, and I stuff them in my front pocket until I need to wipe my face.
SO….what does a red/navy blue/purple hanky mean if kept in the FRONT pocket and wet with sweat?????
HUGS…
By Chris D., June 26, 2009 @ 3:07 pm
Craig: sorry that the book was not better.
TMBG is performing at a free music festival near me! I really want to go. I have never seen them live. I hear that they are doing two sets. One for their kids songs, and one for adults.
I will be marching in the NYC Pride Parade this Sunday with the NJ Pride Center. FDot and I will be meeting up afterward. Any one else from Puntabuland want to join us? Craig? (has hell frozen over yet?
). If anyone is up for it let he or I know. Meeting Puntabupeople is fun!
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 3:10 pm
Ohhh. Take pics Chris so we can oooooo and awwwww over the Puntabupeople. I’m afraid NJ is a bit far for a day trip. Hope you have perfect weather for the parade, not too hot, not rain.
By Bill, June 26, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Polt: I’m just amazed that during something to work up a sweat, you actually HAVE pockets…if you get my drift….;)
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 3:16 pm
I have to post this picture an on-line friend (acquaintence? whatever) of mine posted today. For fans of Andy of Mayberry it puts a different perspective on Barney Fife.
By josh, June 26, 2009 @ 3:21 pm
I had three cassette tapez when I was first getting into music – “Left of the Middle” by Natalie Imbruglia, “Dizzy Up the Girl” by the Goo Goo Dolls and the soundtrack to “Les Miserables”…haha….I played all three of them all the time…until they unwound and jammed my machine. I think I cried…durhz.
By josh, June 26, 2009 @ 3:22 pm
Chris: Arg! my friend invited me to that parade and I would for totez go but I have to work in Jerzee all day/night! BOOOOz.
By john, June 26, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
Polt: “Istanbul Not Constantinople” is a great song and is on Flood. “Working Undercover for the Man”, “Mink Car” and “Cow Town” are also favorites.
Tam: Is the link safe for work?
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
Shirtless but safe enough. Disturbing is better perhaps.
By john, June 26, 2009 @ 3:40 pm
Thug Fife!!! Bwaa!
By Craig, June 26, 2009 @ 4:15 pm
Can someone please please please buy me all of these shirts?
http://wearscience.com/
and these:
http://controversy.wearscience.com/
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
Craig: I love riding the amoeba.
By john, June 26, 2009 @ 4:20 pm
Hells no, I’m buying some of those for myself!
M. Nico: http://controversy.wearscience.com/design/cthulhu/
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 4:25 pm
Craig: If the moon blows up anytime soon, I’m going to say its your fault for inspiring me.
By Craig, June 26, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
I think this one is my favorite:
http://wearscience.com/design/button/
By Craig, June 26, 2009 @ 4:28 pm
Ryan: I will accept that burden
By polt, June 26, 2009 @ 4:37 pm
Chris D.: I wish I could be at that Parade too! But as tam said take photos of you and FDot having a great time! Oh and of the hot shirtless guys. And if these two statements should be synonymous, then by ALL MEANS take photos!!!!!
Bill? Bill? I don’t remember a Bill commenting here before, not that that’s a problem, but it seems odd to me that one’s first comment would be about my actions whilst sweating. I suppose my reputation doth proceed me. Which again, may not be a problem…
HUGS…
By The Ryan with the Cupcake, June 26, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
Enrico: Do not get this coffee table.
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
This is a bit long (6 min.) but pretty well done.
Buffy meets Edward Cullen
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 5:52 pm
Polt: Bill posts pretty regularly although not like some of us. Ahem, no comment on my posting habits.
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 5:54 pm
Ryan: Ummm. Wow, yeah, keep RP away from that one.
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 6:22 pm
Craig: Those shirts are awesome!! I especially like this one and this one.
John: I think it goes without saying that I love that one, and I may or may not have purchased it.
Tam: I <3 Buffy harder!
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 6:29 pm
Nico: We should get that second shirt for the Puntabugang since we’ve all determined we are destined for hell anyway and you’re bring the margaritas.
By Michelle M., June 26, 2009 @ 6:35 pm
Lot’s going on!
Haven’t read the book. When I hear the names Jaina and Jacen I think of Jan, Jace and Blip from Space Ghost.
hankies – magenta = armpit lickers? People are into that?
Tapes? My pinto had an 8 track. Yeah. Laugh it up.
And I know what this is:
http://www.irememberjfk.com/mt/graphics/45_insert.jpg
http://www.irememberjfk.com/mt/graphics/45_insert.jpg
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 7:05 pm
So do I Michelle, so do I.
By Polt, June 26, 2009 @ 7:13 pm
Michelle M. & tam: I remember too! I HATED those damn things….wouldn’t ever work easily, at least for an awkward and clumsy-fingered 10 year old.
And yes, Michelle M., people are into that. I’ve seen photos.
HUGS…
By Michelle M., June 26, 2009 @ 7:17 pm
Those tshirts are neat. What size do you wear Craig?
And here’s a shirt for the rest of us:
http://www.zazzle.com/dancing_monkey_t_shirts-235212567606681101
By Tam, June 26, 2009 @ 8:11 pm
I got him a medium Michelle. It seemed to fit well based on the picture.
By M. Nicodemus, June 26, 2009 @ 10:17 pm
Polt: I hated those things too, you could never find one when you needed one! Why in the heck couldn’t they make the hole the right size to begin with?
By josh, June 26, 2009 @ 11:26 pm
I think I need to get a href=”http://i.americanapparel.net/storefront/images/detail/serve.asp?media=2001HA_White_BlackZz.jpg”>THIS shirt! Hahahazzzzz!
By josh, June 26, 2009 @ 11:26 pm
REDO: I think I need to get THIS shirt! Hahahazzzzz!
By josh, June 26, 2009 @ 11:27 pm
OMGAWDZ…I’m estupida right now:
REDO AGAIN: I think I need to get THIS shirt!! Hahahazzzzz!
By josh, June 26, 2009 @ 11:28 pm
only with the “Zz” instead of “Cc”
geebz…sorry for maiming the Puntabulous flow just then…
By Nathan, June 26, 2009 @ 11:40 pm
Allright! I’ve got plans for the Toronto Pride Parade now! Mwhahaha! I’m going to dance and do other shiz like that. Last year I got photos with leaders of political parties and the mayor! I’m going to try and scam photos of them again this year.
By Jere, June 26, 2009 @ 11:41 pm
Is it just me, or this comment thread even more random than usual? I’m still not entirely clear on how They Might be Giants fits in between the hanky code and clever t-shirts. This may be my favorite t-shirt of the moment.
By Michelle M., June 27, 2009 @ 12:11 am
Jere – that’s funny. I also like the “I didn’t even want to know one random thing about you.”
Josh – you should get that Zz shirt. It’s perfect.
By Tam, June 27, 2009 @ 12:15 am
Good one Jere.
Have fun in the big city Nathan. Just watch out for the garbage rats kay? Hate for you to get bubonic plague with all that dancing in the streets and stuff.
By polt, June 27, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
Wow, Nathan, i am SO jealous! Toronto Gay Pride! I got invited up to it once by a friend that lives there, but he invited me up like 10 before Pride, and I had neither the time nor the money to go.
So I’ll have to have my fun at Toronto Pride vicariously through you! 
HUGS…
By Michelle M., June 28, 2009 @ 4:35 pm
It’s so quiet over here. Billy Mays (the infomercial guy) died. #4.
By Craig, June 28, 2009 @ 5:18 pm
Wait till you guys see tomorrows Super Viagra and Vagina Girl strip!
By TwoPi, June 28, 2009 @ 5:38 pm
He died? He was such a hero to me, such an inspiration. The best outfielder in baseball history.
Oh wait, I thought you said Willie Mays. My bad.
(No disrespect to Billy Mays intended…)
By Michelle M., June 28, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
Yay! Chapter 6. Can’t wait!
By john, June 28, 2009 @ 8:34 pm
YAY! Something to look forward to on a Monday!