Star Wars: Tarkin by James Luceno - Paul's Review

*I received this book as an eARC from Random House Publishing Group - Del Rey Spectrain in exchange for an honest review*

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Title: Star Wars: Tarkin
Author: James Luceno
Recent Release Date: November 4, 2014

My Pre-Reading

Synopsis: A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away. . . .

Bestselling Star Wars veteran James Luceno gives Grand Moff Tarkin the Star Wars: Darth Plagueis treatment, bringing a legendary character from A New Hope to full, fascinating life.

He’s the scion of an honorable and revered family. A dedicated soldier and distinguished legislator. Loyal proponent of the Republic and trusted ally of the Jedi Order. Groomed by the ruthless politician and Sith Lord who would be Emperor, Governor Wilhuff Tarkin rises through the Imperial ranks, enforcing his authority ever more mercilessly . . . and zealously pursuing his destiny as the architect of absolute dominion.

Rule through the fear of force rather than force itself, he advises his Emperor. Under Tarkin’s guidance, an ultimate weapon of unparalleled destruction moves ever closer to becoming a terrifying reality. When the so-called Death Star is completed, Tarkin is confident that the galaxy’s lingering pockets of Separatist rebellion will be brought to heel—by intimidation . . . or annihilation.

Until then, however, insurgency remains a genuine threat. Escalating guerrilla attacks by resistance forces and newfound evidence of a growing Separatist conspiracy are an immediate danger the Empire must meet with swift and brutal action. And to bring down a band of elusive freedom fighters, the Emperor turns to his most formidable agents: Darth Vader, the fearsome new Sith enforcer as remorseless as he is mysterious; and Tarkin—whose tactical cunning and cold-blooded efficiency will pave the way for the Empire’s supremacy . . . and its enemies’ extinction. 

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Review: This is the second book in the new Star Wars canon. I really hung on to every detail in this book. Any Expanded Universe things mentioned made me perk up, seeing them acknowledged in the new canon. 

This takes place 5 years after Revenge of the Sith. The interactions between Tarkin and Vader are very interesting. They are both becoming the characters they will be in A New Hope. 

This book follows Tarkin as he addresses a kidnapping and potential threat to the Empire. During this mission, Tarkin reminisces on how he has become the man he is. I liked seeing his origins paralleled with Palpatine's. They are both from Outer Rim worlds. 

I liked the character development and backstory more than the actual story that was happening. The perspective isn't exclusively Tarkin's, switching to both Vader and Palpatine as well as the rebels. I call them rebels, but they are not the Rebels we know from the original series. 

I give this novel a 3.5/5. I enjoyed delving into Tarkin's backstory and seeing what makes him tick, but the actual story of the novel didn't interest me. If you are a superfan of Star Wars like me then this is a book you probably want to pick up. I don't think it's a necessary read for casual fans. 


--PAUL