STAR WARS: VISUAL GUIDE BOOKS 2011
BATTLES FOR THE GALAXY
Written by Daniel Wallace
MYSTERIES OF THE JEDI
Written by Elizabeth Dowsett and Shari Last
Both titles published by DORLING KINDERSLEY
Reviewed by Scott Weller
Always moving with the times and their responsibilities to readers, especially the younger fan base, DORLING KINDERSLEY’s new STAR WARS books enter a refreshingly different phase design-wise, with a punchy new style guaranteed to grab readers and fans, both old and new, in a way that’s visually exciting, more accessible than ever, and re-vitalizing to their informatively written, always beautifully printed, fifteen year reign as the world leader in young STAR WARS book publications. Both of these new titles, dedicated solely to the movies themselves (and just in time for the upcoming Blu-rays later this year!) are great, superbly illustrated with the best of the LUCASFILM archive reference pictures released so far, and well worth the purchase, but BATTLES FOR THE GALAXY is probably my favourite of the two, written by Daniel Wallace, long-time dweller of the DK written STAR WARS holocrons, who makes this kind of epic undertaking of information look easy to impart, with the book, and its accompanying title, absolutely full of facts and details, with wonderful spreads and classic dialogue quotes, on every facet of every great battle and its participants-whether they be large or intimately small (if you can call epic three-way lightsaber duels small!)- from the grasslands battle of the once peaceful Naboo, to the harsh volcanic wilderness of Mustafar and the decisive clash between two once brothers-one Jedi and one Sith, to the cold, dark reaches of space with the Battle of Yavin and the rusty metaled X-wings zipping in and out of laser fire conflict with their slick and deadly TIE fighter opponents, or the final decisive surprise attack on the Emperor by the returned Anakin Skywalker, the last of the once Republic Jedi, so as to save his son, it’s all there-the drama, the wonder, the action, to be discovered and enjoyed anew.
Meanwhile, in a different arena of metaphysical conflicts and emotions, MYSTERIES OF THE JEDI treads a distinct path in the way it looks into the ancient and mysterious enigma so far explored in the live action movies: the unique living energy field which surrounds and binds all living things together within its nexus: the Force. Writers Elizabeth Dowsett and Shari Last take us into a land of wonder, imagination and excitement in a lovely book which delves into the Force’s every fascinating facet: from the men, women and aliens that harness its powers for good and for evil, the two different sects that would evolve from its creation and evolution-the Jedi Knights and their Sith counterparts, and the rare gifts/abilities that these chosen few possess and are able to use and harness within its natural energies, for purposes both light and dark- that will either protect or destroy the galaxy…
In your mission as Jedi Padawan, follow the history of the Force and its major players (from legendary heroes like Obi-Wan Kenobi and the diminutive alien, Yoda, to vile baddies like the Emperor, Darth Vader, the double blade fighting Darth Maul and the multi-saber talents of that devil General Grievous), and be enlightened and amazed in discovering what it takes to be a Jedi, and just what serving such a noble enterprise entails, as well as the abilities you’ll require in order to dispense such good intentions. Discover the technology and weapons that will help you and your friends/foes, the spaceships and other craft to be utilized and the far distant and diverse worlds you will accompany them to.
Along this epic journey you’ll also witness the incredible story behind the Force’s legendary vergence-The Chosen One-Anakin Skwalker, rising from humble slave boy beginnings to become the greatest and most powerful of all the Jedi, and how he would eventually fall from grace to become the enigmatically evil Darth Vader, the half cyborg creature in service to the evil Darth Sidious. Then, beyond the fearsome Vader, we continue the Skywalker linage and see a path to redemption emerge with his son Luke’s similar path and journey into action, training to be a Jedi and then going head-on into temptation from the Dark Side and its terrifying secrets: from revelations of family and ambition and then, in the saga’s final movie chapter, the dramatic and cataclysmic second meeting between father and son on the dreaded second Death Star, as the malevolent, thoroughly black hearted Sidious, now known as Emperor Palpatine, plans to destroy Luke’s cherished Rebel Alliance and their dream of liberating the galaxy. Will Luke become a fully powered and resourceful guardian of the galaxy? Only you will discover the full truth in this very enjoyable and highly detailed book.
In this galaxy-spanning period of adventure and excitement, do you have what it takes to be a Jedi? Can you resist the dangerous lure of the Dark Side? MYSTERIES OF THE JEDI will guide you to your ultimate decision and destiny, and make you want to dip into its visually exciting pages all the time.
May the Force be with you!
AFICIONADO RATINGS FOR EACH BOOK: 4 out of 5
