mortallyandrogynoustree

[mortallyandrogynoustree]

Book Review: Luke Skywalker and the Shadows of Mindor by Matthew Stover (Legends)

Let me just say right off the bat that I had no intention of reading this. Instead I walked into Half Price Books and found myself in the sci-fi section much like fruit flies find my slightly overripe bananas—that is to say, inevitably. And when the cover is Luke Skywalker in all his post-Endor glory, well I couldn’t say no.

Set five years after the battle of Yavin, the story is told as a framework, opening with a discussion between a man named Lorz Geptun and Luke Skywalker in which Luke asks Geptun to find the truth about what happened at Mindor—to investigate him. Geptun agrees and the story that follows is Geptun’s reconstruction.

The fledgling New Republic is under siege by the Imperial Remnant and, most notably, an adversary by the name of Lord Shadowspawn. Luke and his Rapid Response Task Force are tasked with putting an end to this Dark Side threat by taking the battle to Shadowspawn on Mindor. But, as with many books in the Star Wars lore, it’s not ever that simple. Especially when your enemy believes you to be the true Emperor and will stop at nothing to make it true.

 Not knowing what to expect I found myself caught up in Stover’s rapid pacing, gallows humor and vivid action scenes. All of which make this book feel distinctly pre-Disney Star Wars. I was pleasantly surprised to find a smattering of scenes with Rogue Squadron and many involving Han, Leia, and Luke as I had hoped. Other beloved characters make an appearance or two but I’m won’t say who (#no spoilers) 

 The story stands alone so if you like banter, space battles, and a slight taste of body horror (think “Force compelled zombies”) then you’ll probably like this book.

[mortallyandrogynoustree]

Bodies and Temples

Your body is a temple 

Mine isn’t.

Mine was built too quickly on the shifting sands for a soul all too eager for life

(Am I eager now? I don’t know...)

What’s it like-- I wonder-- to be at home in your own skin? 

I’d build a different temple if I could.

Must be freeing to live without constant vigilance,

no second guessing every input lest you get your wires crossed.

I’d build a different temple if I could. 

If I could. If I could. 

One on Solid ground.