May 2009
Review by Carol Gilbert (Jedimom)

LUKE SKYWALKER & THE SHADOWS OF MINDOR

Author: Karen Miller

THE REVIEW
If the title Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor sounds like a rejected name for an Indiana Jones movie, it is not without reason. This (thankfully) stand-alone novel explores a scene in the life of Luke Skywalker from the basis of a holothriller star (that is, an adventure film star) rather than from the files of the Grand Jedi Master.

I do have to admit, though, that it was great to be transported back to the Galaxy Far Away we all know and love from the Original Trilogy since this book takes place very soon after Return of the Jedi. It is a breath of fresh air to return to a time when Luke is not the Grand Master but still has the aura of naive farmboy still about him. Luke knows he is a Jedi, but is unsure of exactly what that might entail. Han Solo is still the charismatic smuggler and gambler, wooing Princess Leia and hoping beyond hope that she has feeling for him as well. 

It is worthy to note that Stover brings a large cast to this book, even reaching back to the Prequel Era to reunite us with a figure from his own Shattepoint book. Every major character you can think of from the OT is in this book. While it is good to see them all, some are just unnecessary other than just to say "Oh yeah, I remember him!"

The antagonist here, Lord Shadowspawn, is not quite what you would expect and adds a twist that elicited a chill in me. According to the cover blurb, "Lord Shadowspawn is no freshly anointed Sith Chieftain but in fact a vicious former Imperial Intelligence officer-and Prophet of the Dark Side. The Emperor's death has paved the way for Shadowspawn's return from exile in the Outer Rim, and mastery of ancient Sith knowledge and modern technology has given him the capability to mount the ultimate power play for galaxy wide dominion." Yet the way he wields his power is unexpected and inventive. And I did love the use of ShadowTroopers instead of the white-clad Stormies.

It is nice to feel something that has been missing from so many of the recent Star Wars novels: hope. While we know that Luke and Han are not really in any danger (since they go on living in further novels), there is still an element of alarm for our heroes. 

I must admit, though, I did have a hard time getting through this book. Whether it was because of the bombardment of unnecessary characters or just because another book beckoned me, I cannot say. I can say, though, that I am glad it was a short (311 page), fun (yes, fun) one-shot and not another multi-book insanely drawn out saga.