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Readers` Reviews

★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
micheline
Wow. This one really surprised, as well as disappointed me. I'm a HugE EU fan, as well as a fan of Aaron Allston. But..... I just drudged through "Outcast" and am even wondering if the EU is over? I've read, in order from "Into The Void" skipping nothing.
Someone please tell me this is worth sticking with? This book was awful. I felt Aaron & Troy (and no Traviss, the worst EU novels) would be good? Now? IDK?
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
cathryn dolly
I was really looking forward to Outcast. I have been dying to find out what kind of series would follow the epic story of wishy-washy Sith Lord, Darth Caedus. At first glance I will say that elements of this series are reminding me of Harry Potter and the Order of The Phoenix and Daala it's Professor Umbridge. But instead of the Order of the Pheonix we have, Darkmeld. This portion, plot 1, the Jedi madness/Jailbreak-in portion was fun. Jaina and Jagg aren't overly interesting on their own but it was fun.

Plot 2, Ben and Luke's adventure with the Baran Do Sages was a nice little story. I love Ben and Luke together. Clearly the best part of this book was this plot but there was so little of it and it was tied up quickly with all the complication of a Clone Wars episode. I was hoping that Luke and Ben's search into the more arcane Force traditions to be a little more edgy and and mystical than this first tale.

Plot 3, The Han/Lando/Kessel/Leia gambit bored me to tears. To bloody tears. I don't know if it's EU burnout or what but I wasn't really feeling Outcast. This subplot pulled me out of a book I was mildly enjoying otherwise. Even the Rogue Squadron appearance wasn't inspired, quirky or particularly funny. (And that's really strange for an Allston book)
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
marguerite
Aaron Allston is not one of my favorite Star Wars writers. This is not because he is a bad writer, but because his style has never clicked with me. Most of the time, I just don't like the way he tells stories. Outcast is actually a nice step away from that trend. While I dreaded his novels in the Legacy of the Force series, Outcast was actually quite enjoyable. In general, I find Allston's storytelling style to be far to dry and internal for my taste. I often feel like everything is happening inside the character's head, and that none of it is actually real. This leads me to disconnect from the story, as I said this is a stylistic preference, and I have no doubt that many of Allston's fans will disagree with me completely.

Overall: 6/10

Omen was a good novel, and had only a little of the dry, internal storytelling that I object to. I imagine that for some this will make the book that much worse, but for me it made the book better. Outcast also has relatively little of the overly dramatized and, honestly, quite ridiculous political commentary that characterizes many of the longer Star Wars series. While Outcast provides the set up for much of this commentary that takes place later in the series (more on that later), the drama in this book is actually fairly subtle - well, subtle for Star Wars anyway.

Writing: 7/10

As I said, Allston is not a bad writer. His writing is strong, and his style is fairly concretely established. He has a good sense of wording, and of structure.

Characters: 5/10

Allston does well with Luke and Ben Skywalker. These two characters he brings to life, and over the course of the novel he develops their relationship well. However, in my opinion, Allston butchers Admiral Natasi Daala (whom fans will remember from earlier novels). His portrayal of Daala opens the door for later novelists to include some of the most blantant, ridiculous, and over emphasized political commentary that I have ever seen. This, in turn, makes half of the story-line of the Fate of the Jedi series all but impossible to believe, and it all leads back to Allston's portrayal of Daala.

World: 8/10

What can I say, it's Star Wars. George Lucas' galactic world is perhaps one of the most fully developed in the history of writing. Writers have a rich history, developed personas, and a tapestry of worlds so broad that most people cannot name a quarter of them. Allston does an excellent job of taking one of these worlds, Dorin, and fleshing it out. Dorin is a world that, to my knowledge, has only been mentioned in the Star Wars Extended Universe. While there have been several characters from Dorin in other works, I do not know of anyone who has actually written on the world. This makes it a good choice for Allston, and he develops it well.

Plot: 7/10

The plot of Outcast sets the stage for the rest of the Fate of the Jedi series. In this it is quite obviously a first novel, and it leaves many cliffhangers. If this were a stand alone novel, then it would be a poor thing, but as the first novel in the Fate of the Jedi series, it does it's job well - setting the stage for future books to answer, solve, and fill out.

Pacing: 6/10

As I said above, Allston's work often seems dry and internal to me. This also makes it somewhat slow. While Outcast is not as slow as some of his other books, it is not a fast paced novel, and there are a few points where the reader will have to push through.

Commentary: 3/10

As I have said in the past, I do not read Star Wars novels for their incredible social commentary. While the majority of Star Wars novels that I have read do contain a lot of social commentary, it tends to be obvious and pushy. The social commentary generally found in Star Wars novels is akin to being beaten over the head with a sledgehammer while someone screams `AGREE!' in your ear. Suffice it to say, this is not good social commentary. While Outcast does include some social commentary, though not as much as the rest of the series, it generally follows this same pattern. If you agree with the social points the author is making you can convince yourself to enjoy it. If you disagree, then it will seem trite, contrived, and annoying.

Conclusion:

I love Star Wars. Good, bad, or in between, I have found very few Star Wars novels that I didn't enjoy (although there are one or two). If you are a Star Wars junkie, then you could do far, far worse than Allston's Outcast. If you are not a Star Wars junkie, then honestly, I suggest that you start with some of Timothy Zahn's books.
Anathem by Stephenson, Neal (2009) Paperback :: Tongues of Serpents: A Novel of Temeraire :: For We Are Many (Bobiverse Book 2) :: All These Worlds (Bobiverse Book 3) :: Please Don't Tell My Parents I'm a Supervillain
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
dcheart
This is an interesting twist. So often in Star Wars the enemy is so clear, the lines so perfectly black and white. In this, not so much. You have Jedi who are acting in the Republic's best interests but are seeing things. You have a former Imperial as the Chancellor who has a grudge against the Jedi but is honestly trying to make things better. You have healthy Jedi caught in the middle. All the while there is that cute, slow-paced romance between Jaina and Jag. I thought it was nicely written, with innovative plot developments, insights into the Jedi, and true to characters writing. This was a great opening to the series.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
nicole pacada
I keep reading the Star Wars expanded universe books in the hope they will improve over time. This book is not a promising start. The characters remain bland, there is no logic to many of the characters actions, and the story is weak. I'm not even sure why there was a sub-plot with Han/Leia helping Lando, othere than they needed to fill space. Luke's exile is the only interesting part of the story, since we get to see how everyone else will act without him to swoop in and save the day. (Of course, my guess is we will be delivered a series of books in which the Jedi Order flounders without him, and he ends up swooping in and saving the day anyway)

On the plus side, there is some good humor in the story, and Ben Skywalker is getting better as a character. They have to mature him so he can take over the Jedi order after his dad is retired....
★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
phillip korkowski
First, this book represents a truly original new storyline with all of the credibility of a seasoned Star Wars author. Granted, it isn't Alliston's best foray into the Expanded Universe, but a worthwhile read none the less.

Watch out, spoilers to follow...

From cover to cover, Outcast is a fairly fast-paced adventure. It has better constructed political bent, with more realistic governmental and judicial conversations. Certain legal questions about the Jedi are raised, and what their role in the state should be. Daala, as the new chief of state, has been written as a more complete and well-rounded character than Fyor Rodan (who was the last to really raise the 'Jedi Question' during the Vong arc.)

Also, as the tide turns against the Jedi, the character development of the Solo/Skywalker clan also turns a corner. Luke becomes thoughtful and begins a new journey, (thankfully not in the tired 'Shield of Lies' way) Leia and Han take-off for Kessel with Amelia, (thankfully not in the silly 'Tatooine Ghost' way) and Jania becomes a more interesting 'sword of the Jedi' (thankfully unlike the poor portrayal constructed in the 'Raynar Thul' arc)

So why three star?

Simply because the plot devices were so... obviously constructed to move the characters into their respective story-lines.

1. Luke being short-term banished, with a clear out. I wonder how that will turn out? <--- sarcasm implied.

2. Leia and Han going to Kessel to help out? Because them being in certain places usually fixes things? <--- more sarcasm.

3. More lost Jedi-type characters? More lost Sith-type characters to come? WOW, I think they called it 'Order 66' because there goal was to destroy about 66 percent of all Jedi-types. Good job Palpatine! <--- more of an apathetic/caustic remark.

Finally, I love that Alliston uses any excuse to bring back the pilot cadre from previous books. (<--- no sarcasm at all.) I played T-Fighter a million years ago, and mentioning pilot Stele made me do a double-take. I just wish Alliston hadn't stuck him in a TIE-Bomber. I hated those missions.

Go read this book. I an certainly looking forward to the next one!
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
michele mcdaniel
Aaron Allston's writing style is practical; there is none of Matthew Stover's (or even Christie Golden's, judging by the preview of the next book in the series, "Omen") complex metaphors and artsy sentences. Allston describes how things look and what color they are with a precision which sometimes comes off as artless, but also as refreshing. At times the writing seemed cinematic, as if I were viewing what was going on, which lead to both very cool scenes and very odd point of view switches.

While some of the action scenes felt like they had been done before (speeder chases a la Attack of the Clones come to mind) there were also plenty of well-done hand-to-hand fights and an at-first restrained Luke proving that he can still hold his own against a powerful Force user.

In terms of plot, an earlier review saying that not much happened in this book made me realize that that's partly what I liked about it. As someone who skimmed the first "Legacy of the Force" book and found it too sensational to feel like Star Wars, "Outcast" has one surprising element (Corran Horn's son going crazy), but then focuses on the family dynamics and exploration of an endlessly fruitful galaxy. A Kel Dor Force order and excursions into the mines at Kessel were most interesting to me for their physical distance from things we've seen in Star Wars before, and for the time given to often humorous interactions between Luke and Ben Skywalker, and the Solo family. While at the end of the book I was left wondering how it was going to tie in with the rest of the series, as most of the story arcs were wrapped up, that made it feel like a nice trip back to a galaxy, far, far away. I would go so far to say that this book can work as a standalone, although enough questions are left unanswered for "Omen" to be potentially appealing.

While not great literature by any stretch of the imagination, my experience with "Outcast" was that it was an enjoyable Star Wars novel, a quick read even for someone who thought she'd sworn off the post-Legacy EU.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jiayang
'Star Wars: Fate of the Jedi: Outcast' is a follow up to the 'Legacy of the Force' series, set in the aftermath of Darth Caedus's short but brutal reign. The galaxy is still recovering, none more so then the Galactic Alliance, but this brings us to a stunning twist. Grand Jedi Master Luke Skywalker is exiled, and forced to leave Coruscant. This marks the beginning of a journey which will take Luke and his son, Ben, to the edges of the Galaxy, learning the most perplexing mysteries about the Force.

This novel stars Luke, Leia and Han, as well as the unforgettable Lando alongside Luke's charismatic son (Ben) and the last surviving child of the Solos (Jaina). Along with these characters, Jacen Solo's daughter, Allana Solo, joins the crew, and makes this journey one that is both memorable, and action packed.

'Outcast' marks the beginning of Luke's journey to find out what set Jacen on such a dark path, and successfully sheds some light on the events during his five years away from the Jedi Order.

Aaron Allston's writing style is a blend of action and comedy, making this journey one which is unforgettable, action-packed, and exciting. I would hugely advise that you purchase this book if at all possible, but I would also advise that you read the 'Legacy of the Force' 9-book series first, just to get more of a feel for this series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
cassy kent
The GA is holding a Unification summit, the Jedi are mistrusted and certain of them are suffering psychotic breaks, and Luke Skywalker is accused of dereliction of duty for failing to stop Jacen Solo before he became Darth Caedus, so he is being partially blamed for everything Jacen did during the Second Galactic Civil War. A stunning opening to what looks to be an amazing new series!

Luke knows the charges are somewhat true and bargins with Chief of State Daala to avoid going to prison. Luke accepts exile for 10 years from Coursant and the Jedi Order. The only chance Luke has of returning before the completion of the 10 years is to discover what caused Jacen to turn to the Dark Side. Luke and his son, Ben (also a Jedi) begin traveling the galaxy to find where all Jacen went during his five year travels to visit different Force-users, trying to learn what caused Jacen to go to the Dark Side. They begin with visiting the planet Dorin, the home of the Kel Dors, the people Jedi Master Plo Koon belonged to. There, Luke begins his quest to determine what all Jacen learned during his travels.

Han and Leia, with their granddaughter Alanna (also known as Amelia) travel to Kesssl to help Lando save his mining enterprise for dangerous groundquakes that are threatening to tear the planet apart.

The Jedi are all assigned government observers to follow their movements and restrict their usefullness.

Jag Fel and Jaina Solo have fallen in love and are having secret meetings. This story line is going to be very, very interesting.

I currently have the audiobook version of Outcast, I am waiting for my book to arrive in the mail. This first books in the Fate of the Jedi series is recorded in its unabridged length, a welcome change to having almost all other Star Wars books be abridged for audiobook. Well done, Random House and Del Ray!

This story promises to bring a welcome new chapter to the Star Wars saga, especially after the devastation that took place during the Legacy of the Force stories. Allan Allston is a wonderful writer, who keeps the story moving. Outcast has a wonderfully written style and keeps the reader engaged. In fact, I am beginning to like Allston almost more than Troy Denning, who wrote my favorite Legacy of the Force novel, Inferno. (Star Wars: Legacy of the Force: Inferno) I highly recommend Outcast to anyone who loves Star Wars and wants a great new series to read.

May the Force be with us!
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
denisse haz
Overall this book has four essential plots that are long and drawn out and a tad on the tedious side.

The overall theme of the book is the [1] political intrigue (government wants to control Jedi) and [2] Jedi randomly going insane.

Beyond this there are two slightly engaging adventures: [3] the Skywalker's investigation to Baran Do temple, and [4] the Solo's voyage to Kessel to help out Lando's business. The later story does not appear to integrate with the overall plot other than the possible foreshadowing of some entity talking to Allana through the Force, which is not further investigated (something that struck me as odd), and perhaps maybe some connection to the destruction of Center Point.

The purpose of this book is to setup the overall scenario for further future events, and in that scope it does accomplish that, in a less than exciting matter. I wish there could have been more intrigue overall and cultural development of Baron Do. A better idea would be to streamline these plots and throw in introduction and character development of other significant actors in the overall series. If I wasn't a Star Wars fan, my interest would not be piqued to continue the series.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
brian calandra
I really like the Fate of the Jedi series especially Outcast. I think Aaron Allston is one of the best SW authors second only to Tim Zahn,Kevin J.Anderson & Troy Denning. Although there were no space battles there were some good action scenes with the Millennium Falcon soaring over the Kessel landscape with Han,Leia,Allana and C3-PO. And It's great that Luke and Ben Skywalker are taming up for an adventure across the galaxy to learn what drove Jacen Solo to the dark side. I look forward to Omen seeing the new Sith tribe standed on a planet fro thousands of years and seeking revenge on the galaxy and Luke too and seeing Vestara too. I wonder if she'll be a future love interest for Ben. And of course I look forward to Abyss and the rest of FOTJ especailly the ninth book/finale. What will be the ultimate Fate of the Jedi now the Galactic Alliance and Daala no longer want them? I hope to see an armageddon/apoclyptic war/space battle between the New Jedi Order,New Sith tribe,Galactic Alliance,Han and Leia in the Falcon,Luke and Ben Skywalker,Jaina,Wedge Antilles and Rogue Sqaudron and the Mandalorians in the ninth FOTJ hardcover by Troy Denning possibly due March 29,2011.

And I hope to see some spectacular space battles in future FOTJ novels and after FOTJ I hope there will be a follow up series or some standalones where Allana Solo(Han and Leia's grandaughter)trains to become a Jedi and/or starpilot under either Ben Skywalker,Jaina Solo or Luke,Han and Leia. I hope that Han will pass on the Falcon to Allana and/or Jaina in Post-FOTJ novels since Allana wants to become a pilot and Jacen had a vision of Allana as an adult ruling the unified galaxy as he was killed by Jaina in Invicible. Well that prophecy come true in Post-FOTJ books? Find out in 2013 or 2014.

Perhaps Tim Zahn could do a Luke and Ben Skywalker adventure novel post-FOTJ where Ben teams up with a clone of Thrawn or Matt Stover will write the final adventure of the Big Three(Luke,Han and Leia) or perhaps Zahn and Stover could do the final Big 3 adventure with a clone of Thrawn. Finally I think Legacy of the Force and Fate of the Jedi should have been the perfect basis for the third Star Wars trilogy of Episodes VII,VIII and IX. And if Matt Stover does the final Big 3 adventure. It could have been either a bridge novel or an epilogue novel to the sequel trilogy.

Again FOTJ the best SW series since LOTF and Zahn's Thrawn trilogy and look forward to Omen,Abyss and the ninth epic finale book in 2011.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jessica snell
amazing book series by golden allston and denning this book series is awesome cool wicked funny etc etc etc etc this is my favorite book series i also loved legacy of the force as well this book series is promising aaron allston karen traviss and troy denning did legacy of the force book series this book series will be just as awesome as the legacy of the force series and just as awesome as the new jedi order
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
sam flint
The first book in this series was outstanding. It keep me going from page one till the end. I would highly recommend this book. I have started reading the second book the series, if it's on par with the first book I think that I've found the next series to add to my collection.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
rachel boyum
Things are settling down in the galaxy, but the Jedi order is thrown into chaos. Corran Horn's son seems to have lost his grip on reality, Luke Skywalker is arrested for allowing a Jedi to turn to the Dark Side, and Lando needs help. Who will lead the Jedi now?
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
jacy blitz
Allston is definitely one of the best Star Wars writers. As mentioned by others, his writing style is outstanding.

What is great about this book is that it's not another "the entire star wars universe is going to blow up if we don't do something!!!!!" nor is it a "I have a premonition in the Force that bad things are about to happen etc."

This is a fun romp of a novel that gives us the characters with some seriousness of a behind the scenes plot. I also loved the substory with Han and Leia just going to help out Lando. They are never presented as about to die, just some excitement. Feels very refreshing in the brooding SW universe of late. The scenes with Jag and Jaina are also great, as well as the Ben and Luke time together.

Overall a very fun book that brings some joy back into the SW world. What we need now are some new characters. Too many deaths, not enough new faces.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
huma
The writing is truly superlative. I'm not sure who's to blame for not much happening/ getting settled in this book. May be the publishers... who wanted to lure you in, then make sure you'd be buying two more books (or more?) in the series. They should have put out each book within a week or two of eachother. They really arent even remotely stand alone. I think when all is said and dont this is some of the best writing to ever grace the Star Wars universe.
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
william showalter
A good opening book to a standard cannon novel. Great parallel stories in which one leads off to further the series. If you enjoy a good read with Luke, Han and Lando, as well as many other favorites from the original story line this one is for you. Not to mention blasters, light sabers, force powers, and space craft!!
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
tania
Read by Marc Thompson the most awesome voice actor ever. Doing a spot on Lando, Luke, and Han. Amazingly read, you quickly forget you are only listening to one man as he does 10s of different species with ease.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
elsia
Darth Caedus is gone but the Galactic Alliance is suffering from the aftermath of his dark reign. The Jedi have been shouldered with the blame and Luke Skywalker has been banished from Coruscant because he was unable to stop Jacen Solo's turn to the dark side. To make matters worse, Jedi Knight Valin Horn is suffering from a psychotic break that brings even more unwanted attention on the Jedi. In a desperate move, the Galactic Alliance assigns official observers to every Jedi Knight to keep them in check.

After his banishment Luke and his son, Ben, decide to uncover the truth behind Jacen's turn to the dark side and their search leads them to Dorin, home world of the mysterious Kel Dors. While there they uncover some startling revelations that bring a whole new set of problems. Meanwhile, back on Coruscant, the Jedi continue to struggle under the watchful eye of the government and the media. When a rogue Jedi appears suffering from Valin Horn's same condition, the Jedi must find a way to capture him and get the answers they need. All the while they must outwit the government forces that have turned against them.

Outcast was a mixed bag for me because even though I flew through the pages, there were certain elements that didn't work. One thing that works well throughout is Aaron Allston's top notch writing. This story flows easily and Allston does a wondrous job of plopping us right into the middle of the civil conflict brewing around the Jedi. Throughout the story we are treated with a nice balance of action and character development that make this an effortless read. I especially enjoyed the fresh insights into the Kel Dors and it was fun to see grandparents Han and Leia up to their old tricks.

What didn't work for me was how little actually happens in this story. I hate to even comment on this since I enjoyed Allston's writing so much, but that is my straight up initial reaction. Granted, I have not read the Legacy of the Force series, and one could argue that perhaps that hindered my understanding and comprehension of everything going on in Outcast. Honestly, I feel like Allston did a great job of including the perfect amount of background info to set the stage for the story and besides, I didn't encounter anything a little Wookiepedia couldn't remedy. In the end it just seems like very little happened here and I never really felt like any of the heroes were in any kind of danger.

Don't get me wrong though. As I stated earlier, the elements that did work, worked quite well and were enough to keep me going. Star Wars fans will no doubt find plenty here to rave about, but I won't be surprised if many are left with the same impressions that I was. This is the first book in the series, and my hope is that as the series unfolds I will look back on Outcast and have a deeper appreciation for it. In the meantime I am eagerly anticipating the release of the second installment, Omen.
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
john w
Another lame star wars novel. There is very little plot here. Just another author trying to cash in on the Star Wars name. Why waste the reader's time with Han & Leia running off to Kessel to help Lando? Why is this relevant to the grand scheme of things? Oh, and is Allana "sensing" something watching her above on Kessel some type of foreshadowing? Am I suppose to remember this 3 or 4 books down the lane? Terrible foreshadowing!!!! And, Sue Rostoni of Lucas Licensing, you are doing a terrible job with the Fate of the Jedi series. Anyone who liked this book has low standards all the way around.
★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
m flores de marcotte
The book is good, exept one thing. Did jacen solo turn to the dark side becuase he got angry that his grandfather (Anakin Skywalker) killed his grandmother (Padme)?

If anyone can answer this question i would be very happy.
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
mostafa mohaddes
I was looking forward to reading this new series, but Outcast was a big disappointment. I thought the characters were a little irritating and the plot was disjointed and unclear. I might try the next book just to see if it is any better, but I wont expect too much.
★ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
katebjaffe
Aaron Allston has created some wonderful stores in the past, but Outcast was, truly, one of the most disappointing Star Wars novels that I have had the unfortunate displeasure reading in a long time. As an avid fan of the Expanded Universe books, I have come to love reading every adventure-filled page these authors have written. But Allston's latest tale just left me unsatisfied. Each progression of a chapter only seemed to add on even more wasteless, or useless, storyline to the plot. I genuinely hope that this does not reflect on the rest of the series.
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