The Courtship of Princess Leia

[Brian]

I just started this book. Is it necessary to read before The Thrawn Trilogy? Is there any novels I should read before Thrawn?

[Blizzard]

No.

I read them in order of when they were published and since the Thrawn Trilogy was first it does not have any references to any other novels, so it doesn't matter when you read it.

Courtship is a great book! It has my favorite line from all the novels. Tell you what it is later. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

Happy reading!

[Brian]

I mean, does it introduce some new characters that are in TTT? I don't think I will read X-Wing until after TTT. Courtship and TTAB are the only books before Thrawn (not including Bounty Hunter Wars).

[FerrisWiel]

Courtship is brilliant! It captures the flavor of Han and Leia perfectly!

--Ferris Wiel

[Brian]

Originally posted by FerrisWiel@Dec 12 2002, 08:32 AM
Courtship is brilliant! It captures the flavor of Han and Leia perfectly!

--Ferris Wiel
Really? How do they taste?

[FerrisWiel]

Chocolatey - with a hint of orange.

--Ferris Wiel

[vodo]

I read all the books in order of when they were set. Truce at Bakura Courtship then the thrawn trilogy. Though they dont refer to the trilogy in any way the are both a great read.



I thought that Han and Leia tasted like bannans and cream

[FerrisWiel]

Well, Courtship makes a few references, like Coruscant (a Zahn invention), but you're right, there is no need to read Thrawn.

--Ferris Wiel

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:silver">I particularly enjoyed the "Han Solo, whuffa grabber" passage for particular reason. Isolder is a pretty intersting character

And I felt Han and Leia tasted more like cherry cheesecake</span>

[RedMirax]

I read the Thrawn Trilogy 1st, but I don't think you need to. I liked it, what I can remember. It's been a long time since I read that book!! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Whuffa]

I loved the part when Threepio sings to Leia, that is IMHO one of the funniest moments in the EU. You'll see what I mean.

[vodo]

I loved the han solo what a man song.

[Whuffa]

Yeah, that's the song. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Whitesaber]

I thought when Threepio sang that "Han Solo Whata Man" song that it was the most hillarious thing. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif

I also thought the whole witch thing was pretty good. Of course, Luke rocks again. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/cool.gif

All in all, it's one of the best EU books I've read. You don't have to read it before the Thrawn trilogy, though.

[Rogue_0009]

<span style="color:silver">The whole "Luke flying every station on the Flacon" thing has to be one of the coolest things done in EU.</span>

[Darth Drew]

<font style='width=80%; filter:glow(color=blue)'><span style="color:limegreen">I think it was a great book too. I loved that Han Solo song.</span></font>

[Brian]

So, Whuffa, you are named after a worm? Interesting...

[vodo]

yep. actually I kinda thought it messed the other books up I mean luke flew the falcon and like loads of animals gave him life. It was so cool the way he used the force and in the other books he didnt do anything as cool in the others.

[Brian]

Two words: Great book!

What's next? The Thrawn Trilogy!

P.S. The "Han Solo, what a man" song wasn't all that funny. I don't get it.

[RedMirax]

Well....if you're starting close to the beginning, you might as well read Truce at Bakura (and don't forget the X-Wing novels!!!) style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Brian]

I already ready read The Truce At Bakura and there are too many X-Wing novels for me to buy right now. I will pick them up after Thrawn. (Money is low b/c of Christmas and bills).

[Whuffa]

The Thrawn trilogy is awsome. You'll love it!

[vodo]

yep it introduces some great people like Mara and lets not forget Thrawn what a man

[nirvana_62]

Originally posted by Brian@Dec 12 2002, 06:26 AM
I just started this book. Is it necessary to read before The Thrawn Trilogy? Is there any novels I should read before Thrawn?
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>


It si a really good book have you read tatooine ghost yet?

[Anguirus111]

I look at it this way, it's my favorite SW EU book primarily because of Warlord Zsinj.

[Soontir Solo]

I didn't like this book all that much. It was ok I guess but the thought of Leia making out with Isolder disturbed me and I felt sorry for Han throughout the whole book. I didn't like how Leia was portrayed personally. Though besides that everything seemed ok. Nightsisters were a good addition to the EU.

[Whuffa]

I really liked this book, it had humour, action and it really made me feel bad for Han 'caue Leia was acting like such a sl:t!

[Blizzard]

Originally posted by Whuffa@Dec 7 2005, 03:29 AM
I really liked this book, it had humour, action and it really made me feel bad for Han 'caue Leia was acting like such a sl:t!
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>
Oh really? What's a sl:t? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bop.gif

[Whuffa]

you know, someone who would enter into an arranged marriage and dump his/her love just for a political alliance with an immensly wealthy star cluster, and countless millions in gifts

[Blizzard]

People do that every day. But that doesn't make them sluts.

But did she do it? No.

[Whuffa]

Well she was considering it... the sl:t!

[Anguirus111]

Yeah forgive Leia for wanting to put the New Republic and the stability of the galaxy ahead of her own wishes. That definitely makes someone what you're implying. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif

[JMAS]

Originally posted by Blizzard@Dec 12 2002, 04:33 AM
Courtship is a great book! It has my favorite line from all the novels. Tell you what it is later. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>


OK, I think 3 year constitutes "later" enough, Blizzard style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

So what is it?

[Soontir Solo]

lol

[Tresk Im'nel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>Yeah forgive Leia for wanting to put the New Republic and the stability of the galaxy ahead of her own wishes. That definitely makes someone what you're implying.[/b][/quote]

Yeah, and in Tatooine Ghost, Denning did a pretty good job of retconning the characterisations in COPL into something that made a bit more sense to me. I'd have to look up the exact passage, but IIRC it basically establishes that Leia didn't really have feelings for Isolder and she wasn't going to go through with it, she was just hoping to negotiate an agreement and therefore didn't want to reject his offer straightaway.

Having said that, I think COPL did have some very poor characterisations, not only of Leia but also of Han. I wasn't too happy with him essentially kidnapping Leia... Not to mention...it's a bird, it's a speeder, its...Super Luke! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

There were a few good points to it, though. I liked the settings and the Hapan and Dathomiri cultures, also the Alderaanian wedding traditions...

I tend to look back at COPL semi-fondly because it was the second EU novel I read and I liked it much better than Splinter of the Mind's Eye... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif

[Soontir Solo]

I thought the portrayal of Han was ok. I mean, doing something rash like kidnapping Leia seems like something Han Solo would do in my opinion. I thought his character was done well, Luke's was done well, but Leia's was very poor.

[Tresk Im'nel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I thought the portrayal of Han was ok. I mean, doing something rash like kidnapping Leia seems like something Han Solo would do in my opinion. I thought his character was done well, Luke's was done well, but Leia's was very poor.[/b][/quote]

True, I just thought it was a tiny bit too far, but that's a matter of opinion. And I actually didn't have a problem with Luke's character as such, but some of the Force powers did seem a little overdone at times... Again, just IMO.

[Whuffa]

Originally posted by Anguirus111@Dec 8 2005, 12:15 AM
Yeah forgive Leia for wanting to put the New Republic and the stability of the galaxy ahead of her own wishes. That definitely makes someone what you're implying. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>



i was kidding... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/nahnah.gif

[Tresk Im'nel]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>i was kidding...[/b][/quote]

Ah, that was not readily apparent. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/wink.gif No worries...

*spares Whuffa the "an emoticon would have helped" lecture...this time* style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/tongue.gif

[Whuffa]

Originally posted by Whuffa@Dec 7 2005, 09:14 PM
you know, someone who would enter into an arranged marriage and dump his/her love just for a political alliance with an immensly wealthy star cluster, and countless millions in gifts
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>



Didn't you notice the ironic undertones? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/devil.gif

[Soontir Solo]

I didn't.

[Blizzard]

Originally posted by JMAS+Dec 7 2005, 02:23 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(JMAS @ Dec 7 2005, 02:23 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Blizzard@Dec 12 2002, 04:33 AM
Courtship is a great book! It has my favorite line from all the novels. Tell you what it is later. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>


OK, I think 3 year constitutes "later" enough, Blizzard style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

So what is it?
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>
[/b][/quote]
style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/rofl.gif

"Believe me, Buddy, If I were you, I'd go right up there and ask her if she wants to ride on my Rancor."
--Han Solo

[JMAS]

That is a GREAT line! Yes. I'm gonna have to reread that book methinks. style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif

[Whuffa]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE</div><div class='quotemain'>I didn't.
<div align="right">Quoted post</div>
[/b][/quote]

OK, now I'm getting freaked out... Where is your sense of humour people... style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif *sniff*

I said that Leia was a sl:t because she dumped Han JUST for COUNTLESS MILLIONS in gifts and an alliance with an immensly wealthy star cluster. Notice the JUST next to COUNTLESS MILLIONS...


...from now on I'm not going to forget to put one of these style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/happydance.gif or these style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/bop.gif whenever I make a joke.

[JMAS]

I agree Whuffa. What a floosie ... trading true love to the good of the Galaxy. Who does she think she is? style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/nahnah.gif

I missed that whole bit, but sadly, especially in a forum where we can't hear you say it, or see your facial expressions, the emoticons are invaluable for displaying when we are kidding.

[Blizzard]

And please stop calling her a sl:t! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/mad.gif

[Whuffa]

But she is! style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/nahnah.gif

[Blizzard]

Not funny.

[Queso]

*psst* don't upset Blizzee...

But yeah I like Courtship...

[Whuffa]

sorry style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/sad.gif , Leia is of course a sofisticated princess and nothing less style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif

[Braden Dar]

Just thought I'd add my two cents worth. It has been some years since I read Courtship, but I'll try my best (I know the obvious Yoda joke is coming).
<div onClick="openClose('fdae1cef121bf3d4dc9d7f17658bbcb4')" style="font-weight: bold">[ Click to show Spoiler - click again to hide]</div><div id="fdae1cef121bf3d4dc9d7f17658bbcb4" style="display:none">
Courtship told a good story about how two people in love can drift apart because of the heavy burdens placed upon them. Leia was in constant need by the Alliance/New Republic for diplomatic missions and Han was needed as a figure that showed that anyone can take part in and be successful in the new government. The Hapans, whose Queen Mother was anti-Force in personality, had never joined in the Galactic Empire and were just now in takls to be joined to this New Republic - by the marriage of their Prince Isoldar to Princess Leia.
Han doesn't take it laying down and does what only Han could manage to do...win a planet and whisk Leia off to rekindle their love.
Zsinj happens to use the planet, Dathomir, as his main base of operations, and everyone gets caught up in an all-out battle with the warlord.
Eventually love triumphs and Han and Leia walk down the isle and into EU history as the most spectacular couple.
I liked the book and I would recommend it to anyone that wanted to know whatever happened between those two. But I would probably read the books in the order for which they appear in the SW timeline.

Thank you.

[Braden Dar]

What? No one's looking in here anymore.
Well, the Yoda joke would go...

"No. Do, or do not. There is no try."

[Jeff Darklighter]

Originally posted by Braden Dar@Mar 6 2006, 10:52 PM
Just thought I'd add my two cents worth. It has been some years since I read Courtship, but I'll try my best (I know the obvious Yoda joke is coming).

Courtship told a good story about how two people in love can drift apart because of the heavy burdens placed upon them. Leia was in constant need by the Alliance/New Republic for diplomatic missions and Han was needed as a figure that showed that anyone can take part in and be successful in the new government. The Hapans, whose Queen Mother was anti-Force in personality, had never joined in the Galactic Empire and were just now in takls to be joined to this New Republic - by the marriage of their Prince Isoldar to Princess Leia.
Han doesn't take it laying down and does what only Han could manage to do...win a planet and whisk Leia off to rekindle their love.
Zsinj happens to use the planet, Dathomir, as his main base of operations, and everyone gets caught up in an all-out battle with the warlord.
Eventually love triumphs and Han and Leia walk down the isle and into EU history as the most spectacular couple.
I liked the book and I would recommend it to anyone that wanted to know whatever happened between those two. But I would probably read the books in the order for which they appear in the SW timeline.

Thank you.

Just finished this one. I really liked it. An action/love story with plenty of plot twists. Good new characters. I thought the role of the rancors was interesting. The young rancor in RotJ was portrayed as a huge monster.

Just not sure what to read next. Maybe Tatooine Ghost or possibly A Forest Apart.

Where does the resurrected Emperor show up in any of these books? Just wondering about Luke fight with him and touching the dark side.
That is supposed to happen a year before Heir to the Empire.

Thanks.

[Master Magnus]

^I believe you're thinking about the Dark Empire comics.

[Jeff Darklighter]

Originally posted by Master Magnus@Apr 24 2006, 12:32 PM
^I believe you're thinking about the Dark Empire comics.
Thanks for the info. I knew that was in comics, but that was it.

Just thought the resurrected Emperor might be in a book too. But that might be a copyright thing...

[Ripley]

Never got far into the book. Fabio turned me off. Did hear that the Luke parts is the best areas of the novel.

[mirax terrik horn]

Only always ripley. Yeah there is a good sub-plot with Luke.

[Master Magnus]

^No bashing.

[JMAS]

Originally posted by Jeff Darklighter+Apr 24 2006, 09:37 AM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jeff Darklighter @ Apr 24 2006, 09:37 AM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Master Magnus@Apr 24 2006, 12:32 PM
^I believe you're thinking about the Dark Empire comics.
Thanks for the info. I knew that was in comics, but that was it.

Just thought the resurrected Emperor might be in a book too. But that might be a copyright thing...
Quoted post
[/b][/quote]

Nope, he's only in the comics, not the novels. I mean, the resurrected Emperor is mentioned in books later down the EU timeline, but the actual story is only found in the Comics Dark Empire and Dark Empire II, both of which are available in Trade Paperback format.

[Braden Dar]

I recently finished Solo Command and it has a label at the end saying to continue the story to go readCourtship. I think you would need to take into account a notable gap in the timeline if you were to go straight from Solo Command to Courtship Of Princess Leia. Its not like it was an immediate transition. It takes place at least, what, 6 months later? Or a year?

Anyway, you know there's a time span in there because Han and Leia are still lovey-dovey in Solo Command, but they aren't so close in Courtship. I still think its worthwhile to read the XWing books just before you get into this one. It could give you a good heading on what's going on.
I never even heard of Zsinj before reading Courtship. Then I had the background on the whole thing with the XWing books. And the rancors were very good additions as I saw it...letting us get the feel that Jabba kept his pet rancor in sub-standard conditions just to use it as he would wish. Pretty cool stuff.

[Jeff Darklighter]

Originally posted by Braden Dar+Apr 25 2006, 05:44 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Braden Dar @ Apr 25 2006, 05:44 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>I recently finished Solo Command and it has a label at the end saying to continue the story to go readCourtship. I think you would need to take into account a notable gap in the timeline if you were to go straight from Solo Command to Courtship Of Princess Leia. Its not like it was an immediate transition. It takes place at least, what, 6 months later? Or a year?

Anyway, you know there's a time span in there because Han and Leia are still lovey-dovey in Solo Command, but they aren't so close in Courtship. [/b]

I don't think there is much of a time lag. Early in Courtship, it said Han was hunting/fighting Zsinj for 5 months. And 5 months was mentioned at the end of Solo Command. I'll have to double check that though.

I don't know about the lovey-dovy part. Han and Leia were apart for most of that time. They were probably apart for stretches before that too. I think that was enough to strain their relationship. Plus some issues arose in Courtship that got between them. Han not acting like General Solo and Leia letting the New Republic and a new Alderan go in front of what she really wanted among other I'm sure.

<!--QuoteBegin-Braden Dar
I still think its worthwhile to read the XWing books just before you get into this one. It could give you a good heading on what's going on.
I never even heard of Zsinj before reading Courtship. Then I had the background on the whole thing with the XWing books. And the rancors were very good additions as I saw it...letting us get the feel that Jabba kept his pet rancor in sub-standard conditions just to use it as he would wish. Pretty cool stuff.
[/quote]

Agreed.

[Anguirus111]

Originally posted by Braden Dar@Apr 25 2006, 05:44 PM
I recently finished Solo Command and it has a label at the end saying to continue the story to go readCourtship. I think you would need to take into account a notable gap in the timeline if you were to go straight from Solo Command to Courtship Of Princess Leia. Its not like it was an immediate transition. It takes place at least, what, 6 months later? Or a year?

Anyway, you know there's a time span in there because Han and Leia are still lovey-dovey in Solo Command, but they aren't so close in Courtship. I still think its worthwhile to read the XWing books just before you get into this one. It could give you a good heading on what's going on.
I never even heard of Zsinj before reading Courtship. Then I had the background on the whole thing with the XWing books. And the rancors were very good additions as I saw it...letting us get the feel that Jabba kept his pet rancor in sub-standard conditions just to use it as he would wish. Pretty cool stuff.
Quoted post


From what I understood, Han left with the fleet back to Coruscant right after his talk with Wedge about generalship and immediately ran into the Hapan Fleet right above it. But I'd have to consult Nathan's timeline to be sure.


As for me, I'd really enjoy a story somewhere along the lines with Yoda and his adventures about the Chu'unthor before it crashed.

[Enfilade]

I just got this book given to me so, I am going to finish what I'm reading now (Cestus Deception) and then give it a read.

[Darth Kitana]

I found this book one of the best. I really don't like how Isolder comes in but the character reforms himself by the end.

[Braden Dar]

Prince Isolder does start out so wrong, and does finish off the book rather decently. I can see - to a point - why he would have to be the way he is in the begining. They needed a good tool to make it seem logical that Han would do all those crazy things to get Leia back. But the Witches of Dathomir do get played up a little bit much in the story. Zsinj just seemed to afraid of them...and if so afraid he was, kill them he should have.
But that would have changed the whole complexity of the story.

By the way, where did the alien that had the planets deed get that deed? Did he come across it in a game of chance? Or was it "family-owned" from a time before Zsinj took over the planet? Anyone remember if it was mentioned in the book?