Customer Reviews

DK Readers: Beware The Dark Side

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The release of Star Wars books for young people has always been related to a theatrical promotion. In a world that has a seen all six films, a new wave of DK Readers is much appreciated. It gives us comfort that even though the movies are finished, the Star Wars experience isn't completely 'done.' As the title suggests, "Beware the Dark Side" is a look at the bad guys. This is a great premise since Star Wars has always featured the villains that everybody loves to hate. With a non-fiction feel, the book starts with an overview of Sidious, Maul, Dooku and Vader. The book chronicles Palpatine's path to power. Beyond the Sith Order, "Beware the Dark Side" looks at both the mechanical and biological instruments of the Sith. The Droid Army, General Grievous, the Clone Army, Stormtroopers, Jango Fett, the Death Star, Zam Wesell and Boba Fett are examined. A discussion about such elements would be incomplete without mentioning the forces that eventually defeated the dark forces: Luke Skywalker and the Rebel Alliance. The title's scope is satisfying since it pulls together all six chapters of the saga. So while there's nothing new here, this is a great read for young fans that are still making the connections between the six acts. In terms of the mechanics of the book, a glossary and idex is included. In terms of the illustrations, the vast majority of images were lifted from the films. While the pictures are high quality, the writing is also good. This new series has books for most levels of elementary readers. Given the 48 page length and elevated vocabulary, "Beware the Dark Side" is best suited for readers on a fifth grade level. "Beware the Dark Side" offers an exciting look at the Star Wars saga's villains.

My grandson is getting very involved with reading and, concurrently, with Star Wars. He won't join me yet in watching all six films, but he is picking up bits and pieces from his classmates and other sources.

These Level 4 books are intended for "Proficient Readers" and intended for ages 9 -12. I think they are suitable for younger kids.

"Star Wars" is serious stuff for kids, of course, just as earlier generations kept track of good guys and bad guys in "Superman" comic books.

This book covers the dark side of the Force. It is intelligently written and weaves together the bad guys from all six movies, traces the origins of the Sith, the accession of the Emperor Palatine, how the Jedi and Sith made their lightsabers, significant battles between the forces, the origins of the Droid armies.

Only 48 pages long, the book is fast moving and leaves you and your young reader wanting more - which is what you want in a young person. Simon Beecroft shows himself to be an excellent writer for children. I can hardly wait for grandchildren's next visit, by which time I should have all the books in this series. Great stuff for kids - and grandpas.

Jerry

Great print, great paper, great quality. As for the content, is what I expected. My kid loved it [more importantly, I did :) ] Honestly I thought it'd be just a tiny bit bigger, but for a boy is just perfect.

I have a few and my little Padawan loves them. He was really happy with this new one. He's a Vader fan.

Verdict: Good book, excellent price!

I had purchased this for my son. It wasn't what I thought it was, but never the less, it's great. There is information in this book that I didn't know and I consider myself pretty knowledgable about Star Wars. My son loves to pick out different sections and have myself or husband read them to him.

These DK readers are a great way to stimulate your child to read. By choosing something they are interested in, you can get them find true enjoyment in reading. As one thing may lead to another, you might then get them to read other things. In my case, I later gave my daughter "the Universe" DK reader, which is a trully fantastic book.

This should be reccomanded for youngsters which don't know about the force and its wonderful stories. I think it should generate a new generation of fans. Nice pictures and interesting spots on the main caracters, with enough references to the movies, to incite curiosity.

But I'm already a fan, so I'd like to share some views with younger people and get their point as well.

My six year old son reads this book so much that it is falling apart. It is page after page of great information on many characters, along with awesome pictures. It lists the character, how the are correctly pronounced, their weapon or special abilities, and a great little story on each one! Every page has about 3-4 pictures, so if you don't know a lot about Star Wars, this helps you to get to see the characters and weapons.

I'm a huge fan of DK Readers -- the photographs are always extraordinary and the books are always well done.

This DK Dark Side book is a hit, loaded with stills from the movies. All the bad guys you love to hate -- how exciting is that?

47 pages, plus glossary.