Vector Prime (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 1) (Mass Market Paperback)

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Fifty-seven years have passed since the events of Phantom Menace, 25 since A New Hope, and 21 since the Empire's final defeat over Endor. The still-fragile New Republic, rocked by internal conflict, now faces a potentially overwhelming challenge from beyond the known galaxy: the Yuuzhan Vong, a sinister race of warriors using highly advanced (and creepy) organic "devices" and vehicles, whose immense strength and technological edge lets them fight toe to toe with Jedi. And who better to flesh out these powerful and malevolent aliens, so dismissive and disdainful of humanity, than R.A. Salvatore, the author who almost single-handedly popularized Dungeons and Dragons' equally awful bad guys, the Drow, with his Drizzt Do'Urden books.

In kicking off Del Rey's five-year New Jedi Order story arc, Salvatore must endure the predictable hazing of any new Star Wars author. But an accomplished storyteller backed by legions of fans, the Dark Elf author proves to be up to the task and thankfully sensitive to the well-loved characters he's borrowing time with. Vector Prime sets up the early stages of the covert Praetorite Vong invasion, giving us a closeup glimpse of this nefarious new race and following our heroes' attempts to combat them. Luke struggles with whether to revive the Jedi Council; Mara still fights her deadly disease; Lando is back helping Han, Chewie, and Leia; and Leia and Solo's kids finally come into their own. Prepare yourself, though, for when a major, beloved character gets ceremoniously smushed. (Although we've seen Boba Fett come back from worse.... ) --Paul Hughes --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Description

Twenty-one years have passed since the heroes of the Rebel Alliance destroyed the Death Star, breaking the power of the Emperor. Since then, the New Republic has valiantly struggled to maintain peace and prosperity among the peoples of the galaxy. But unrest has begun to spread and threatens to destroy the Republic's tenuous reign.

Into this volatile atmosphere comes Nom Anor, a charismatic firebrand who heats passions to the boiling point, sowing seeds of dissent for his own dark motives. And as the Jedi and the Republic focus on internal struggles, a new threat surfaces from beyond the farthest reaches of the Outer Rim--an enemy bearing weapons and technology unlike anything New Republic scientists have ever seen.

Suddenly, Luke Skywalker; his wife, Mara; Han Solo; Leia Organa Solo; and Chewbacca--along with the Solo children--are thrust again into battle, to defend the freedom so many have fought and died for. But this time, the power of the Force itself may not be enough . . .

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 398 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (July 5, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0345428455
• ISBN-13: 978-0345428455
• Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.3 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (424 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #64,082 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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• This is item 1 in The New Jedi Order Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

124 of 139 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Close minded judgemental SW fans stay away....., February 29, 2000

By	Slipknot (Gresham, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Vector Prime (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 1) (Hardcover)

Let me just say I'm pretty shocked by all the "If I could give Zero stars I would" reviews here. I've read all the Star Wars novels also, and I liked most of them, didn't like some, and some I thought were fantastic. Tim Zahn, for instance has 5 brilliant novels. This novel is great too. I'm so disappointed in some of these Star Wars fans here to be so incredibly closed minded, and afraid of change. Aren't you tired of the Empire making ANOTHER comeback? Aren't you tired of the Jedi kids getting kidnapped again? Aren't you tired of another Superweapon? Then this is a fantastic step in the right direction. The writing is very fast paced and is gripping. Many readers complain of "no plot movement". I beg to differ. It moves along at a fine pace, and there is another thing to consider. This is the FIRST book in a continuous story arc of a TWENTY-FIVE book series. Do you want everything resolved in one book? Give me a break. I think the Yuuzhan Vong are a very interesting race, and will make for some great books. Also, you people that can't handle Chewie's death, get a life(By the way, I found his death was classy and well done. I was nearly brought to tears, and he went out a hero). For so long now, our SW characters were invincible. The books lose some intensity when you KNOW the main stars can't die. This move wasn't a publicity stunt. It was bringing something fresh and new to the Star Wars universe, and I welcome it. There was also a comment about this being a DARK novel. I agree. It is more dark and foreboding than others. But, I must say after "Phantom Menace" seemed to target the 10 and under audience, I'm very happy to see the SW universe take a more adult view, without losing the "feeling" of this great place. You want more cute stuff, go read Ewok adventures or something. One criticism I agree with was the portrayal of Mara Jade. Her character was rather flat, and I expected much more from the firey red-headed Jedi. Of course, she kind of has her reasons for being so subdued. Finally, I'm sending a challege to all Star Wars fans that bashed Vector Prime. Go to theforce.net and read the MASSIVE interview with R.A. Salvatore in the interview section. He addresses many of the criticisms of his novel, and really explained everything you could possibly want to know about the new direction of the novels. Including the Chewie issue and many others. I GUARANTEE upon reading this, some will change minds about this novel. Hopefully I haven't offended anyone too badly, for we all love Star Wars, and I just get upset when my SW brothers and sisters can't handle change. I think more highly of us as readers. I'm off my soapbox now.

30 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Dark, Darker, Darkest, October 8, 1999

By	taking a rest - See all my reviews (TOP 100 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Vector Prime (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 1) (Hardcover)

This is not the Star Wars we all grew up with. I have read all the books, all the collected comics etc, and this is something very different. The art on the cover gives you an idea of what's inside. Two things that are outstanding; 1. a Map of The Star Wars Galaxy, 2. and a Time Line of the books, that while not going all the way back, covers 99% of what should have been included years ago. THANK YOU! Mr. Salvatore adapted to this saga very well, and without the one-liners that have gotten so annoying from the original 3 movies. He didn't use any crutches, and created amazing new life forms, organic weapons etc. Excellent story, well-paced, never slumps, keeps the tension high, so plan on a late night or two. The "IT" that others refer to bothered me, as I feel it was unecessary. That type of written device usually props up a weak story, and this book is anything but weak. But be prepared, this is a grim New Republic, many of our favorite characters are angry, very angry.Teenagers kill, with justification, but it's one more reminder that this "New" series is very new and very dark. If it were a movie, they would have to work hard and cut alot to not get an R. Still it's outstanding. Don't give up on "IT", a crack in that door was left open, and fans will kick that door in. Enjoy!

22 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Skip Vector Prime, go directly to Onslaught, February 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Vector Prime (Star Wars: The New Jedi Order, Book 1) (Hardcover)

If you haven't bought Vector Prime yet: DON'T. Go directly to the listing for Michael Stackpole's new Star Wars novel "Dark Tide Book One: Onslaught" and purchase it instead.

Vector Prime is a poorly constructed mish-mash of a book that bears little to no resemblance to the Star Wars universe as we know it through earlier books.

Looking for your favorite characters? You won't find them here. Oh, their names are the same, but the personalities are one-dimensional.

Looking for a tightly plotted story? It ain't here, either. Instead, characters fly off willy nilly solely as it suits the author, with little to no explanation given for the enormous coincidences that are the only engine driving this plot.

In a word, this books -- well, it's the word used to describe how you are able to drink through a straw.

It's incredibly disappointing.

But if you ARE looking for a terrific Star Wars novel, go directly to "Onslaught." There you'll find the characters we know and love, with a story that is very well told indeed. You don't need Vector Prime at all -- Stackpole does a great job summing up everything you need to know, with a far greater emotional impact than Salvatore was capable of.

Trust me. You'll be much happier -- and you'll save a few dollars!