Old Friends: Han Solo, Chewbacca, Bria Tharen, Jabba the Hutt, Kibbick the Hutt, Durga the Hutt, Lando Calrissian, Boba Fett, Drea Renthal, Jalus Nebel, Smugglers: Salla Zend, Shug Ninx Mako Spince, Jarik Solo Synopsis: This book has it all!!! A masterfully written connection - all the characters and locations intertwined into a comprehensive whole that tells it all: How Han Solo acquired the Millenium Falcon; explains his falling out with Lando; resolves the Ylesian problem. We finally find out why Jabba is so mad at Han and how he ends up at the Mos Eisley Cantina. All this and more, including Han's adventures in the Corporate Sector halfway through the story. You will not be able to put this one down! Review: Han Solo and his partner Chewbacca arrive in Cloud City to enter the "Biggest Sabacc Tournament Ever!" He not only surprises himself, but everyone else, by winning it all! His "take" includes the Milennium Falcon and he and Chewie quickly become the best smugglers around. Unknown to Han, Bria Tharen is secretly watching him in her new role as leader in the Corellian Rebellion movement as she negotiates with leaders of other governments to create the Rebel Alliance. Unaware of Bria's current activities, Han returns to Nar Shadda, and with his old pal Shug Ninx, upgrades the Falcon, making her the "fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy - uncatchable and unstoppable". Han, Chewie and Jarik Solo head to Kashyyyk to reunite Chewie with his family. The culture of the Wookiees is explained in detail, Chewie is reunited with his sweetheart Mallotobuck and they are married. Following the celebration, Han Chewie and Jarik return to Nar Shadda where they are again employed by Jabba the Hutt. Salla Zend, another of Han's old flames now has visions of matrimony. Han has no intention of marrying anyone, and disappears with Chewie into the Corporate Sector. (Now, the reader must switch gears and pick up the 3 story "Adventures of Han Solo" and read them, one at a time, as they are skillfully incorporated into this book. At the end of each one, Rebel Dawn is updated with short accounts of these adventures, further integrating all the parts into a cohesive whole.) While Han is in the Corporate Sector, Lando Calrissian and Bria Tharen meet on a cruise ship where they realize they have a mutual acquaintance, and a bounty hunter in pursuit of Bria. As the Ylesian storyline is brought back into the action, Boba Fett becomes a key character and we are finally let in on some of his secrets. One of the Hutts hooks up with Prince Xizor and Black Sun which further complicates everything for everyone. Han returns from the Corporate Sector not much richer and a lot worse for the wear. The story moves to its conclusion at a very fast pace, with lots of action involving the Rebels, the Hutts and our heroes. When the reader reaches the final page, you will be exhausted, but clearly understand all the "whys and hows and the who did what to who" and immediately put your tape into the VCR and watch "Star Wars - A New Hope" with greater insight and a true appreciation for what A.C. Crispin has accomplished. This is truly one of the very best books written in/and of the Star Wars universe!
Title: Rebel Dawn |
09/06/2005
