Shatterpoint (SPOILERS!!!)

[James T. Skywalker]

Here's a recently posted article from TheForce.net about a just-announced title from Matthew Woodring Stover, tentatively titled Shatterpoint:

http://www.theforce.net/books/

Apparently Stover dropped by the TFN boards and made an announcement about it. Apparently, more information on the book, which is set to be in the Prequel-era, will be released in the August edition of Star War Insider magazine.

So... it's a bit early, but any thoughts on the book and/or title? Could it be the first post-AOTC/pre-Episode III novel we get, featuring stories from the Clone Wars? Or will we be totally surprised when more info on this book comes out?

What are your thoughts?

~James T. Skywalker, hero of two galaxies

[Flight]

I like the sound of the title.

[James T. Skywalker]

Originally posted by Flight@July 11 2002 - 23:28
I like the sound of the title.
Yeah, so do I. Too bad Stover said it's only a "working title." style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

~JTS

[Whuffa]

I hope it won't be another Approaching Storm or Shadow Hunter , we'll have to wait for Traitor and see if this guy's any good!

[James T. Skywalker]

Well, from the snip that was posted at TFN a few months ago, and from things I've heard from a Del Rey editor over at the Official Site, Stover's an excellent author (that editor ranked it as her second favorite NJO book, between Rebel Dream and Rebel Stand). I'd say we have something to look forward to here.

And I rather liked Shadow Hunter, gave us a good show of Darth Maul pre-TPM, and was a good wrap-up to the story beginning with Saboteur, followed up with Cloak of Deception (which I also, personally, liked) and the Darth Maul 4-part comic. Good arc leading up to TPM. But I agree, The Approaching Storm was rather lacking.

~JTS

[Whuffa]

I also liked Cloak of Deception and Saboteur but Shadow Hunter felt like a 300+ page action sequence. It was a well done action sequence, but I need something more from a book to feel that it's good. The comic was, IMHO, the worst of the bunch. While the art was OK, the story was basicly - Darth Maul kills everyone and noone can stop him. Some people may like that, but I prefer character-driven stories like the amazing Twilight or Mara Jade - By The Emperor's Hand .

[James T. Skywalker]

Originally posted by Whuffa@July 13 2002 - 02:55
The comic was, IMHO, the worst of the bunch. While the art was OK, the story was basicly - Darth Maul kills everyone and noone can stop him. Some people may like that, but I prefer character-driven stories like the amazing Twilight or Mara Jade - By The Emperor's Hand .
Ah yes, you're very right. The comic was rather pointless, but it did have a tie-in to the other books and e-book in that little saga (which is something Dark Horse does very sparingly). And, I also agree that Twilight was extremely good (I have't purchased MJ:BTEH yet, but I do plan to).

And, with the spoilers I've gotten for Traitor over at the Official Site, looks to be an interesting flight. Can't wait for it, and I'm gonna have to buy the August Insider for that "Shatterpoint" info. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

~JTS

[Whuffa]

I can't wait for Traitor either, but I'm going to be in Amster dam untill the 1st, so I'll have to wait a day more :sigh: But maybe they've got a store wit SW books on English there! :bigsmile:

[Luminara Skye]

Does anyone know if August's SW Insider is in stores, yet? *??? *If not, when will it be out?

[Luminara Skye]

Shatterpoint will be a prequel novel with Mace Windu as the main character. *That should be cool! *I've always liked Mace. *I'm assuming it takes place during the Clone Wars, too. * style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/saber.gif * style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/y.gif

[Whuffa]

Wow *:0 *, Mace is sooooo cool! Where did you hear that?

[Skidder]

Traitor was awesome - I hope Shatterpoint offers some of the same dark imagery that we seen in Traitor.

[Luminara Skye]

Originally posted by Whuffa@Aug. 17 2002 - 14:0
Wow *<!--emo&:0 *, Mace is sooooo cool! Where did you hear that?
I think I read it at TF.N! *

(Sorry it took me so long to answer! ) * :0 * style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hehe.gif

[James T. Skywalker]

Has anyone picked up the August Insider? I didn't get a chance to check it out... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/unhappy.gif

~JTS

[Luminara Skye]

Are you talking about the one with Yoda on the front?

[Whuffa]

Well since the cover and release date have been released at TOS, I wanted to hear what you guys think.
I can't wait for this novel! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/hehe.gif Traitor has become my new favourite SW book and I am very excited about Shatterpoint. Most of the prequel novels have been disappointing, IMHO. I hope this one will change the tide. The cover is OK for a photo-collage but I wish they did all the covers drawn like Bantam did, but with different artists, like they do with the NJO paperbacks.


8 months seems like a long wait...

[Booster Terrik]

Originally posted by Whuffa@Jul 12 2002, 09:53 AM
I hope it won't be another Approaching Storm or Shadow Hunter
Wht are you talking aboot? SH rocked, but it did make Obi-Wan look like a big Jedi doofus.

After reading further, you needn't explain yourself again.

[Brian]

TOS has recently announced an official title for the new Matthew Stover book due out next June; Star Wars: Mace Windu: Shatterpoint.

Matthew Stover, author of The New Jedi Order novel Traitor, returns to the Star Wars galaxy, this time in the prequel era. The Clone Wars are spreading throughout the Republic, and Jedi Master Mace Windu must undertake a mission to recover a wayward Jedi. Star Wars: Mace Windu: Shatterpoint is scheduled for release in June of 2003. Here's an early look at its cover art by Steve Anderson.



Source: starwars.com (http://www.starwars.com/eu/news/2002/10/news20021018.html)

[James T. Skywalker]

I'm sorry, I don't agree with the idea of putting the names before the titles. I mean, with Mace on the cover, is it really necessary? We've got the Darth Maul named books, which were ok... though, again, not really needed (Shadow Hunter especially).

Should we go start doing that for every book now? Think of it: Jacen Solo: Traitor, Jaina Solo: Dark Journey, etc... I mean, it's self-evident from the book itself. I just feel that it's not really appropriate.

~James T.

[Brian]

I agree, but I was just reporting the facts.

[Whuffa]

Þhey do it to attract the casual fans who don't usually read the EU, but think Mace or Maul are cool. It's just another way to make more money.

[Darth Vegas]

Why is Shmi on the cover of Tatooine Ghost?

[jedisaber]

frm wht i understand, its because liea andhan go to tatooine and discover stuff about the skywalker family, or something like that

[Luminara Skye]

<span style="color:royalblue">I like the cover art for Shatterpoint. I'm wondering who the wayward Jedi is. Probably a new character.</span> style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[James T. Skywalker]

New characters are good. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

I also like the fact that Depa Billaba (Mace's first apprentice) was on the cover. Could mean that Mace and Depa team up on a Jedi Council mission to find this wayward Jedi.

We'll see...

~JTS

[Whuffa]

Maybe Depa is the wayward jedi?

[James T. Skywalker]

Originally posted by Whuffa@Nov 4 2002, 05:58 AM
Maybe Depa is the wayward jedi?
Ike! No no no! She's on the Jedi Council, she was Mace's Padawan, she's a loyal Jedi. If she's the wayward Jedi... argh, Stover's in for it then! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

But seriously, it would be a good novel if Mace and Depa are searching, together, for this wayward Jedi (who could possibly by Dooku, if you think 'bout it).

Anyway, no Depa as wayward Jedi. Bad idea, Stover, bad idea.

~JTS

[Flight]

I'm sorry, I don't agree with the idea of putting the names before the titles. I mean, with Mace on the cover, is it really necessary? We've got the Darth Maul named books, which were ok... though, again, not really needed (Shadow Hunter especially).


I agree with that completely. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[James T. Skywalker]

Originally posted by Flight@Nov 6 2002, 05:37 PM
I agree with that completely. :)
It's nice having fellow mods here to agree with me. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

And the one plus for this board, Flight? The "quote" feature! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

~JTS

[Flight]

It's nice having fellow mods here to agree with me.

I agree. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif


And the one plus for this board, Flight? The "quote" feature!

I refuse to capitulate to conformity. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[jedisaber]

that would be some good news

[Brian]

For those that care, there won't be a tie-in eBook for Shatterpoint. Sue Rostoni, editor for LucasBooks, just confirmed it at The Official Site's boards (http://forums.starwars.com/thread.jsp?forum=24&thread=93010&start=1950&msRange=15).

Oh, well. I won't miss it...wasn't going to get it until the paperback anyway...

[Jango]

ok

[Brian]

I just read an excerpt of Shatterpoint from the AOTC pb novel. Cool stuff.

<span style="color:red">SPOILERS BELOW</span>












It looks like the story takes place on Pelek Baw, the capial city of Haruun Kal, and I suspect it's Mace's homeworld.

<span style="font-size:14pt;line-height:100%">Chapter 1

Capital Crimes</span>


Mace arrives to the city Pelek Baw on Haruun Kal disguised as a Korun. In the CUSTOMS office, he encountered two Kubaz and a Kitonak and Pho'pheahian comedy team.

Mace was forced to bribe a female Neimodian customs worker named Pule who sees through his disguise.

He had to get undressed and enter a shower along with the other passengers.

Two human capital militia guards checked their bags and watched as they passed through the shower. They attacked Mace and he kicked their ass, WHILE HE WAS NAKED IN THE SHOWER! He got dressed and left out.

He makes his way to the Republic Intelligence station. The station's boss, Phloremirlla Tenk ("Flor" for short), was a bulky, red-checked, very talkative woman about Mace's age.

Flor assembled a team of men to take Mace upcountry to begin to search for Depa Bilba, Mace's former Padawan.

Upon leaving, Mace and Flor were attacked. The excert ends with Mace trying to save Flor's life as she was wounded in the attack.

[Brian]

Audiobook Excerpt (http://www.randomhouse.com/catalog/display.pperl?0-553-71367-1)


Click on the "Audio Excerpt" link on the left menu.



<span style="color:red">SPOILERS BELOW</span>





From the private journal of Mace Windu - He dreams that he should have killed Dooku while he was standing on that balcony in Geonosis when he had the chance. Mace calls Dooku "the shatterpoint" and vividly describes what a "shatterpoint" is and gives several examples of "shatterpoints" and how they are created.

[Darth Vegas]

Ooo, cool.

[Darth Vegas]

Originally posted by O-B-GATES@Apr 10 2003, 08:17 AM
Also, he gets in a fight and kicks some ass while naked in a shower.
WTF?! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wacko.gif

[Brian]

New excerpt available. Check out the story at TCWUS (http://www.starwarz.com/clonewarseu/news.htm).

[Soontir Solo]

Interesting O-B

[Brian]

In just 1 week, we will be able to read all about Mace Windu in Shatterpoint! Who else is excited?!

[sidious618]

Originally posted by O-B-GATES@May 28 2003, 08:13 AM
In just 1 week, we will be able to read all about Mace Windu in Shatterpoint! Who else is excited?!
I am extremely excited!!

[James T. Skywalker]

I am! I posted the thread, after all!

~JTS

[Brian]

Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya! Tomorrow! You're only a day away! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif

[Luvinna.]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rolleyes.gif

[James T. Skywalker]

Originally posted by O-B-GATES@Jun 2 2003, 07:54 AM
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya! Tomorrow! You're only a day away! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif
Ah, fond memories of past performances. I played FDR in Annie a few years ago, of course, it was a children's production (no way am I that old).

And yea, it all kicks off tomorrow! And I have the money (and the time) to pick it up! Woohoo! No, I think this calls for a DOUBLE Woohoo! WOOHOO WOOHOO!

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

~JTS

[sidious618]

Originally posted by JamesTSkywalker+Jun 2 2003, 12:36 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JamesTSkywalker @ Jun 2 2003, 12:36 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-O-B-GATES@Jun 2 2003, 07:54 AM
Tomorrow! Tomorrow! I love ya! Tomorrow! You're only a day away! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/w00t.gif
Ah, fond memories of past performances. I played FDR in Annie a few years ago, of course, it was a children's production (no way am I that old).

And yea, it all kicks off tomorrow! And I have the money (and the time) to pick it up! Woohoo! No, I think this calls for a DOUBLE Woohoo! WOOHOO WOOHOO!

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

~JTS [/b][/quote]
I`ve never seen JTS like this.

[Brian]

style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

[Ikrit]

Well this is irony. I just read Heart of Darkness and watched Apocalypse Now this past week, and I've heard this new novel compared to both. It would've been so much nicer to read this book instead of Heart of Darkness for english. If only it had come out a month ago...

[Brian]

Shatterpoint update:

I just got the book and read chapter 1. It kind of set up the reason Mace was going to Haruun Kal.

**SPOILERS!**







Mace and Yoda are in Palpatine's office along with an agent that has info from Haruun Kal. Depa Bilaba went to Haruun Kal on a Clone Wars related mission. She went "sane" and it is suspected that she might have turned to the dark side. There was some type of massacre and the message the agent brought backs makes it seem like Depa was responsible. She even sent a message to Mace. Obviously Mace feels he's the only one that can go save his former Padawan. The whole time, Palpy is playing the innocent role and the Jedi are milking it up. If they only knew. Palpy is a genius!

[James T. Skywalker]

Originally posted by O-B-GATES@Jun 3 2003, 09:01 AM
Palpy is a genius!
Damn evil genius, but genius just the same. I had that same sensation while I read Cloak of Deception. A lot of people didn't like that novel, but the political and underworld complexities, mixed with the Jedi's unwitting hand in it all, just showed how much Palpatine was able to deceive his way into office and, at the same time, cast Valorum into doubt himself (having the trade summit on Eriadu, for instance, which is where Valorum's distant relatives owned a multi-billion credit corporation; Palpatine suggested Eriadu).

It's fun to watch how it all started, but upsetting for the same reason.

~JTS

[Marbleman]

cloak of deception was a great read. i especially loved the way palpy always came on top of everything. everyone thought he was on their side. "that palpatine, he thinks like us." "ah senator palpatine, the only one i can trust." he always said the right things at the right time. it would have been cool to throw darth maul into the mix, but it wasnt necessary so i didnt mind. qui gon was cool as a cucumber, and captain cohl was an interesting mercenary for the pre-episode 1 era.

i wonder whatever happened to poor chancellor valorum after TPM. . . style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mellow.gif

[Brian]

Originally posted by JamesTSkywalker+Jun 3 2003, 01:48 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JamesTSkywalker @ Jun 3 2003, 01:48 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-O-B-GATES@Jun 3 2003, 09:01 AM
Palpy is a genius!
Damn evil genius, but genius just the same. I had that same sensation while I read Cloak of Deception. A lot of people didn't like that novel, but the political and underworld complexities, mixed with the Jedi's unwitting hand in it all, just showed how much Palpatine was able to deceive his way into office and, at the same time, cast Valorum into doubt himself (having the trade summit on Eriadu, for instance, which is where Valorum's distant relatives owned a multi-billion credit corporation; Palpatine suggested Eriadu).

It's fun to watch how it all started, but upsetting for the same reason.

~JTS [/b][/quote]
I totally agree. Palpy is just a plain ole evil genius! Man, if this books isn't getting me more excited about Episode III, I don't know what is!

[sidious618]

Originally posted by marbleman84@Jun 3 2003, 12:57 PM
cloak of deception was a great read. i especially loved the way palpy always came on top of everything. everyone thought he was on their side. "that palpatine, he thinks like us." "ah senator palpatine, the only one i can trust." he always said the right things at the right time. it would have been cool to throw darth maul into the mix, but it wasnt necessary so i didnt mind. qui gon was cool as a cucumber, and captain cohl was an interesting mercenary for the pre-episode 1 era.

i wonder whatever happened to poor chancellor valorum after TPM. . . style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mellow.gif
CoD was one of my favorites.

[sidious618]

I began it. Pretty good so far. One of the darker ones.

[Ikrit]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>i wonder whatever happened to poor chancellor valorum after TPM. . . style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mellow.gif [/b][/quote]

Well, according to the online HoloNet News, he wrote an autobiography shortly before Episode II.

Valorum's staid autobiography, Holding Back the Tide, has yet to break into the top 100. "I don't know -- I guess I'm just not that interested in Valorum right now," says a self-described avid reader on TriPlanetary's review list. "Maybe, like, after he dies?"

[sidious618]

[QUOTE]

"Maybe, like, after he dies?" [/i]
that`s mean!

[P-Ray]

I liked Cloak of Deception too.

Hey, I saw Shatterpoint in the store yesterday. I know it's new but has anyone finished it yet? Is it good?

I haven't picked it up yet and I'm about to start a Terminator book before T3 comes out.

[James T. Skywalker]

Haven't finished it, but it's good up to where I'm at!

~JTS

[cartographer]

Finished Shatterpoint last night. Dark book. Great action but Mace's journal entries were great as well. I guess my only two disappointments were this story really didn't have much to do with The Clone Wars and I wanted a map or at least a hint as to where Haruun Kal is located.

[JediTrilobite]

I finished it two days after I bought it. It ROCKED! Shatterpoint is possibly the best SW book that I've read in a long time. Very dark, but also very thought provocking.

[jade51999]

I just finished it as well.

there were two distinct passages that moved me enough to write them down seperatly just b/c they were well written..

the first was the allusion to the Vong wars..very very creepy

the second was basically the entire last page when he's talking about Anakin..wow..talk about awesome..

this book was very dark..and very creepy..but very well done..

[Jedi Vaapad]

I just finished this a few minutes ago. I liked this effort by Stover a lot better than Traitor.

I would rate it a 7/10.

The last page was really cool.

"As long as Anakin stays alive it doesn't matter how many Jedi die" (or something to that effect).

[James T. Skywalker]

Only a 7/10?! I wonder what you would give a perfect score (or even an eight)! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

~JTS

[Jedi Vaapad]

Originally posted by JamesTSkywalker@Jun 30 2003, 10:51 AM
Only a 7/10?! I wonder what you would give a perfect score (or even an eight)! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

~JTS
A perfect 10 would go to The Thrawn Trilogy and Star By Star. An 8 would go to Tatooine Ghost, The Courtship of Princess Leia, and a 9 would go to Shadows of the Empire.

[James T. Skywalker]

Originally posted by Jedi Vaapad+Jun 30 2003, 08:12 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jedi Vaapad @ Jun 30 2003, 08:12 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-JamesTSkywalker@Jun 30 2003, 10:51 AM
Only a 7/10?! I wonder what you would give a perfect score (or even an eight)! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

~JTS
A perfect 10 would go to The Thrawn Trilogy and Star By Star. An 8 would go to Tatooine Ghost, The Courtship of Princess Leia, and a 9 would go to Shadows of the Empire. [/b][/quote]
Interesting choices...

Shatterpoint's the edgiest Star Wars book I've ever read, that's why it's tops on my list. The only books I've been able to compare to it are I, Jedi (the first-person perspective sets it apart), Vision of the Future (the better of the 600-page SW books, IMHO), Traitor (best of the NJO) and Starfighters of Adumar (Allston made what would have otherwise been a mediocre story superb).

Those are my 10's in the SW publishing world. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif I respect your own, but can't agree with some of 'em. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

~JTS

[Brian]

Originally posted by jade51999@Jun 29 2003, 01:15 PM
I just finished it as well.

there were two distinct passages that moved me enough to write them down seperatly just b/c they were well written..

the first was the allusion to the Vong wars..very very creepy

the second was basically the entire last page when he's talking about Anakin..wow..talk about awesome..

this book was very dark..and very creepy..but very well done..
what are you talking about? point me in the right direction please....

[James T. Skywalker]

Originally posted by O-B-GATES+Jun 30 2003, 07:02 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(O-B-GATES @ Jun 30 2003, 07:02 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'> <!--QuoteBegin-jade51999@Jun 29 2003, 01:15 PM
I just finished it as well.

there were two distinct passages that moved me enough to write them down seperatly just b/c they were well written..

the first was the allusion to the Vong wars..very very creepy

the second was basically the entire last page when he's talking about Anakin..wow..talk about awesome..

this book was very dark..and very creepy..but very well done..
what are you talking about? point me in the right direction please.... [/b][/quote]
When Mace has the vision of Coruscant in flames and the Jedi being wiped out (not in that order, of course); it's in the 100's, IIRC, but it could be later. I'll ask around.

~JTS

[jade51999]

I have the page number written down somewhere..but its at home, and i'm at work style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif soo..i'll look it up tonight and post it tomorrow..

sorry!

if it helps i believe its the dreams he has right after meeting up with Depa..b/c he talks about how he is relieved to be waken up by her screaming b/c his dreams are so dark..

[Brian]

Well, I have about 40 more pages to go with the book and I don't remember what JTS mentioned above.

[jade51999]

Its there i actually wrote the whole quotation out ..but i forgot to look, yesterday ended up to be more hectic than expected..sorry!

but i promise its there..if you just go back to one of the early encampments with Depa i believe its near the end of a chapter..

and its like i described above..

[Brian]

I remember the Anakin stuff on the last page, but I don't recall any foreshadowing to the Vong Wars.


BTW, I finally finished the book last night. I give it a 8.5/10. I was bored at some parts of the book, especially during the trek through the jungle. That journey was reminiscent of Tatooine Ghost and The Approaching Storm, both of which had treks through some type of native terrain (desert and grassland respectively)--which was just a coincidence according to Sue Rostoni.

[jade51999]

Ok, i'm writing myself a BIG NOTE so i can get you the page number..

i promise to have it tomorrow!
p

[jade51999]

<span style="color:purple">Ok on page 255 in Shatterpoint
Mace Windu says

"In my dreams here, I have seen the destruction of the Jedi, the death of the Republic. I have seen the temple in ruins, the senate smashed and Coruscant itself shattered by orbital bombardment from immense ships of impossible design. I have seen Coruscant the seat of galactic culture, become a jungle far more hostile and alien then any on Haruun Kal.

I have seen the end of Civilization."</span>

[Whuffa]

I just finished the book- woow! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/blink.gif Stover has proven to be the most interesting and original Star Wars writer since M.A. Stackpole. His writing style is so intelligent, and so vivid... The characters make you believe that they are real and drag you into the story. I don't know which book I liked more, Traitor or Shatterpoint.


Get this guy back to do more SW!!!!

[Senator_Cilghal]

Hey, in one place the Jadthu landers are called RSienarS ships, elsewhere Incom.

Make up your mind, oh author!

COuld this be a coollaboration between future rivals (X-wing makes vs. TIE makers).

[saber1001]

I Love Shatterpoint, Matthew Stover style is perfect for a mace windu novel.
This book was just so different than all the rest of the star wars books that it made it one of the best, in my opinion 10/10.

[Ripley the Warmaster]

<span style="color:blue">Best Star Wars novel ever. First, Stover is a perfect world builder. Haruun Kal seems very realistic, and I like that.(he does it again in Heroes Die). I love his portrial of Mace, and I enjoy Nick, Vastor, and Depa. Really made me think. This novel cements Stover's place as my favourite author period.</span>

[Soontir Solo]

But you dislike Jacen Solo? Who Stover wrote an entire novel about with Traitor? Did you dislike Traitor?

[Kapit]

i too loved this book, it was great!

i thought it was amazing how they played out mace's psychological problems as well as his fighting ability

shatterpoint is my favorite book of all time

[Soontir Solo]

It was a-lot like Traitor, with both being up close personal looks at the main character, getting inside there mind. Stover is good at this psychological detailed type of novel.

[Ripley the Warmaster]

Originally posted by Soontir Solo@Oct 10 2004, 09:55 PM
But you dislike Jacen Solo? Who Stover wrote an entire novel about with Traitor? Did you dislike Traitor?
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>

<span style="color:blue">Traitor is a good novel, but it's the weakest of the three Stover novels I've read. Jacen is bareable, and I like Ganner's last stand. Too bad Force Heretic basiclaly erased what Stover dead.</span>

[Soontir Solo]

How so? I didn't think the Force Heretic Trilogy did anything to overshadow or cancel out what occured in Traitor.

[Whuffa]

I think Destiny's Way did it before Force Heretic got a chance to. Jacen was back to his old whining, annoying self in DW and all the progress he'd made in Traitor wa ignored, IMO.

[Ripley the Warmaster]

Originally posted by Whuffa@Oct 15 2004, 01:51 AM
I think Destiny's Way did it before Force Heretic got a chance to. Jacen was back to his old whining, annoying self in DW and all the progress he'd made in Traitor wa ignored, IMO.
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>

<span style="color:blue">Basically took the words out of my mouth.</span>

[darthsith19]

This book was excelent. I love Mace and Nick. It's such a badass book! Kar Vastor, depa Billaba, the bloddy wars... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bigsmile.gif

[DarthSolo]

I've just finished this book. It's the only Clone Wars book I've read, and I'm sure if I ever read any more, none will meet the standard Stover has met here. This is in my top two favorite Star Wars books, with Traitor also by Stover. I just love his, deep, dark, philosophical style. It's rivetting. I would suggest this book to anyone who is familiar with the PT, even if they don't care for SW that much. Not only is Mace one of the most interesting characters in the galaxy, Stover creates more memorable characters and settings, with fast, twisting, rutheless action. This is just a plain good book.

[Braden Dar]

I don't readily agree, DS. I thought the book was okay, but it isn't in my top ten. I liked the concetration on Mace, and how the attempt was there to show us more of this great Jedi Master, but it got off track for me, and it made Mace look like a Padawan at times.
He seemed to be faltering more often than Luke during Return Of The Jedi.
Mace was strong in the first two Prequels, then he was caught with his proverbial pants down when confronting Palpatine and arresting him. Anakin took Mace with no trouble; despite the obvious remarks that will be made about his attention being focused on the Chancellor, he should have felt the uncertainty and anger and turmoil rolling off of Anakin and felt something coming enough to defend himself. It would appear that Vaapad was nowhere to be seen during the final moments of that duel.
But I digress...
The planet itself, Haruun Kal, seemed too odd and made little sense to me. The lor pelek (or however you spell it) was too much for Mace. His former Padawan seemed to have gone off the deep end with great ease. The whole thing could have been more understandable if it turned out that Darth Sidious had been behind it all.

Too many things struck me as out of place throughout the novel for me to rate the book in my own top ten list.

[DarthSolo]

All of that came about because of the war that Sidious orchestrated so in a way, he was behind it. Crappy stuff happens in war. And crappy stuff happens without uber-evil people being behind it. To expect Sidious to be behind every little smidgen of darkness in the galaxy is...absurd, imo.

Your comments about Mace's character are mostly focused on the prequel movies, which I'm somewhat in accordance with you. As far as Mace faltering "all the time" in the book: well, this was in fact the biggest challenge emotionally and possibly physically he would ever face. Oh, and try to write a book without your main character making mistakes. Even Yoda screws up in Dark Rendezvous. And I never got the impression that it made Mace look like a Padawan.

To each his own, though.

[Darill Cyllem]

I also enjoyed Shatterpoint - for many of the reasons Darth Solo outlined previously. Mostly i like knowing more about how characters are thinking - especially Jedi. And my favorite EU stuff is always about the nature of the Force and what it means to be a Jedi.
The situation with Depa Billaba was particularly interesting as, to me, it showed the risks of being Force sensitive - not just falling to the Dark Side, but how that hyper-awareness can kind of... backfire, for lack of a better word.
So that was interesting - i thought the fight scenes were well described, too - i felt like i could follow what was going on. I did particularly enjoy Mace's arrival planetside - a nice moment for him.

[TuskenRaider1]

I have to say Shatterpoint remains one of my favorites. Matt Stover's first person POV is a nice change of pace from the majority of the books, and delves deeper into motivation and fear than a 3rd person perspective sometimes can. The Mace Windu in Shatterpoint is also closer to the role as I envisioned it with Sam Jackson in the part than the actual movie with Sam Jackson was...heh. The shower scene upon arrival was phenomenally well written, and Mace's actions throughout the book (even Palps cameo at the end) were very well done.

Great read, and a EU book I have done a couple times over, each time finding new things to enjoy...