It’s been a long time since I’ve written about any Star Wars books. I took a small break from reading Star Wars for a while, but now I’ve decided to get back to the enjoyment of sitting down to good Star Wars books. In this pick, I’m going to recommend The Jedi Academy Trilogy, written by Kevin J. Anderson. The trilogy consists of the following books: Jedi Search, Dark Apprentice, and Champions of the Force.
When I began reading this trilogy of books, I was immediately in the mindset of the Star Wars universe. These books fit right in with the story as a snug puzzle piece. I had no trouble becoming engaged with the story in this trilogy. These books did a great job with introducing the plot, building the suspense, capturing my imagination through the conflict, and bringing the story to enough of a resolution to leave me satisfied with the story, but wanting to read more into the Star Wars universe via the scores of novels available on the market. Within the scope of this trilogy, you will encounter a variety of story elements, such as, action, adventure, suspense, tragedy, comedy, and even romance (but not the George Lucas style of romance so badly portrayed in Episodes 2 and 3 of the movies).
The books feature the characters of the original movie trilogy (Episodes 4-6): Luke, Leia, Han, Chewie, Lando, C-3PO, and others. The books also include a little insight to the very early life of Han and Leia’s children, Jacen, Jaina, and Anakin—more so the former two. There is also a host of other characters who are a part of this trilogy and were not in the movies (i.e. Mara Jade, Admiral Daala, Qwi Xux, and Kyp Durron). Since one of the main plot lines is the establishment of a new Jedi academy (it’s also the basis of the book titles), you will be introduced to the first recruits of Luke’s Jedi academy, which gives way to the dark side injecting itself into the mix of students in the most unsuspecting way.
If you are looking for a quality Star Wars story, I highly recommend you give The Jedi Academy Trilogy a read. I am confident that you will enjoy all three books from cover to cover. Even if you are not a fan of the Star Wars story, these three books make for a fantastic science fiction adventure.
Before reading these books, it would be beneficial, but not required, to read The Thrawn Trilogy, written by Timothy Zahn (my review of The Thrawn Trilogy). There are several references to events in those books mentioned in The Jedi Academy Trilogy. However, Mr. Anderson does a great job of referencing those events and providing enough information regarding those events so that the reader does not become lost or confused.
On a side note, there is one aspect of The Jedi Academy Trilogy that hits a good note with me personally: one of the major plot lines involves the spice mines of Kessel.
Get fed!
I thought this trilogy was one of the more sensationalistic (talking about SW this must be a relative term) of all the ones that have dotted the SW expanded universe.
In it you see a lot of things you don’t see anywhere else. Streen flying all over the place using the Force. Bet that would have come in handy in Epi 3 when Samuel L. got tossed out the window.
Kevin J. isn’t of my fav SW writers b/c of this set (and Darksaber). Zahn, of course, has to be the best of all the guys and gals writing the Expanded Uni.
I agree. Zahn has got to be my favorite Star Wars EU author.