Why You Should Read: Star Wars - The New Jedi Order (Spoiler-Free)

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ค. 2024
  • Mike talks about what made the New Jedi Order such an important part of the Star Wars Expanded Universe and why you should read it.
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    0:00 Introduction
    4:35 Personal history with the NJO
    7:09 What's it about?
    8:34 What makes it good or bad?
    17:18 Why you should read it
    23:24 Final thoughts
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    Excerpt music provided by Parademics Music
    / @parademics
    Music used: Star Wars | Epic Orchestral Cover Part I & II
    • Star Wars | Epic Orche... / • Star Wars | Epic Orche...
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    #MikesBookReviews #StarWars #NewJediOrder
  • บันเทิง

ความคิดเห็น • 279

  • @mikesbookreviews
    @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +63

    Greetings, exalted ones! I love talking about the original Star Wars EU and I hope I can convince you to try some of it. Thanks for watching and may the force be with you.

    • @jerimiahjohnson4272
      @jerimiahjohnson4272 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      So, this was good. I really enjoyed the EU overall. I thought the new movies were going to pull more ideas from these sources and I was pretty bummed out that they didn't pick up some of the pieces from the EU. Also, the death in Vector Prime was one of the first things that I read where I teared up. But, how it impacted the characters that were left really got it hooks in me. How were they going to deal with it etc. Good stuff Mike. *Edit* Love Coran Horn I, Jedi was such good book and how he impacted the Yuuzhan Vong battles was great.

    • @caseywestrope3357
      @caseywestrope3357 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Great way to sum up the series without spoiling anything. Hopefully you will be able to do a reread and we can discuss with spoilers at some point! Unifying Force was a great conclusion, by far the best ending in a Star Wars series. Legacy was ok, I made it about half way through fate of the Jedi when I found out about Disney so I just stopped. I’ll do a read along with you if you ever get back to that point.

    • @caseywestrope3357
      @caseywestrope3357 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Also, I took a studio maintenance class when I was in college and my teacher was Michael Stackpole’s niece. That was a fun class with probably too many Star Wars analogies for some people in class. lol

    • @magnenoalex2
      @magnenoalex2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I hope you do legacy of the force at some time as well

    • @exovisible9539
      @exovisible9539 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think the greatest strength for NJO was it really tested what it meant to be a Jedi without facing an exact opposite as their opposition, (various reincarnation of new Sith order) , and exploring more about how to view the force; as well as the trials of what the galaxy had to endure with a war this devastating.

  • @Sergeant_Camacho
    @Sergeant_Camacho 3 ปีที่แล้ว +118

    After my personal disappointment with the Disney Sequel Trilogy, I'm going to start my journey into the Expanded Universe! And I'm truly excited as a Star Wars fan! Thanks for this video!

    • @turtleanton6539
      @turtleanton6539 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Thrawn 1-3 then vector prime

    • @laking09_57
      @laking09_57 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Tbh I wouldn’t recommend NJO to a newcomer. I’d start with something like thrawn trilogy or bane trilogy. And it also depends on ur taste and what era u r interested in.

    • @frankheninja1
      @frankheninja1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Reading prep for the NJO:
      Condensed:
      1) Thrawn Trilogy
      2) Jedi Academy Trilogy
      3) Hand of Thrawn Duology
      Expanded:
      1) Truce at Bakura
      2) The X-Wing books
      3) Courtship of Princess Leia
      4) Thrawn Trilogy
      5) Dark Empire
      6) Jedi Academy Trilogy
      7) I, Jedi
      8) The Corellia Trilogy
      9) Hand of Thrawn Duology
      10) the Young Jedi Knights

    • @storba3860
      @storba3860 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@frankheninja1 You forgot Dark Empire.

    • @frankheninja1
      @frankheninja1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@storba3860 I literally didn’t lol. Read my comment again.

  • @baliocelot2537
    @baliocelot2537 4 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    That intro on its own was better than all three of the new trilogy combined.

  • @andrewbirkett698
    @andrewbirkett698 4 ปีที่แล้ว +67

    Timing couldn’t be Better: just started getting into the old EU.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      You’re in for a ride.

    • @andrewbirkett698
      @andrewbirkett698 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Mike's Book Reviews Just halfway through plagueis after finishing the bane trilogy. Trying to do it in chronological order.

    • @dimond360_
      @dimond360_ 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Your starting off with some of the best the EU offers mate

    • @luckykennedy7364
      @luckykennedy7364 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Your in for a great time..I new two and trust me it’s great

    • @DualFrodo
      @DualFrodo 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@dimond360_ What would you say the best EU books are?

  • @B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS
    @B.LEE.DbrianleedurfeeREVIEWS 4 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    the New Jedi Order books were great. But some of the covers were crap. They needed to stick with illustrator Drew Struzan on all the books.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

      Drew Struzan art is canon!

    • @caseywestrope3357
      @caseywestrope3357 4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      Brian look up the Japanese covers, they are sooo much better than the ones we got in the US.

    • @sawyeratkinson
      @sawyeratkinson 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Dude agree 1000%

  • @ChrisfromtheBasement
    @ChrisfromtheBasement 4 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    I completely missed the EU growing up. So for the past 5 years I've been working through the Bantam era and prequel stuff. I'm almost ready for NJO.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +13

      Enjoy! I wish I could experience it again for the first time.

  • @Hadrian1616
    @Hadrian1616 4 ปีที่แล้ว +29

    I need to install a red plastic telephone in my home that loudly rings when there begins a Mike's premiere.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Ha. Haven’t been doing them a ton lately. But I really want to encourage folks to read the real EU for many reasons. One, to see why those of us who did were so disappointed by what Disney gave us. But mostly because it’s just a continuation of what we fell in love with in the first place.

  • @txy9911
    @txy9911 4 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    If you wanna read the NJO here are the essentials after ROTJ (There are way more good books in after ROTJ):
    Thrawn trilogy, Jedi-academy trilogy, hand of thrawn duology, NJO, Legacy of the Force, fate of the jedi

    • @kingkusnacht
      @kingkusnacht 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@jamesskidmore3750 Probably answering this far too late but Jedi Academy is not really important for the NJO. All you've got to know is that Kyp Durron and Cilghal were introduced there.

    • @uogz43
      @uogz43 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Fate of the Jedi is the final series of books

    • @abeabe88
      @abeabe88 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      You can also replace Jedi academy with I, Jedi

    • @Webshooters1
      @Webshooters1 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@uogz43 Which is sad because Sword Of The Jedi was looking promising.

    • @vaderkurt7848
      @vaderkurt7848 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

      @@Webshooters1 There is fan fiction or a fanmade book you can look up online that's the closest thing we were going to get.

  • @dpeady78
    @dpeady78 4 ปีที่แล้ว +16

    “Greetings Exalted Ones” love it!
    My wife hates it when I say this whenever guests arrive

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      My wife rolls her eyes at all of my Star Wars quotes that are a part of my daily vocabulary

    • @dpeady78
      @dpeady78 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Mike's Book Reviews also me pausing while in shops and saying “I have no memory of this place” annoys the shit out of her as well 😬

    • @juresaiyan
      @juresaiyan 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikesbookreviews you're awesome and your wife is a keeper. :D

  • @anasol772
    @anasol772 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    I highly recommend the Star Wars: Legacy comic series. It jumps 100 years into the future and does some amazing things. As someone who had not read Thrawn nor New Jedi Order yet, it's one of my favorite star wars stories.

  • @kingkusnacht
    @kingkusnacht 3 ปีที่แล้ว +22

    After reading through all Bantam Era books, I thought I was done. I loved Zahn's Thrawn and Hand of Thrawn books, as well a XWing and I Jedi, but didn't like a lot of the rest of it, as you said for the most part. However NJO got me reading SW again, it's like a new Era, it feels like Star Wars' Infinity War storyline.

  • @codysparks1454
    @codysparks1454 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    I just got the complete series today, perfect timing.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Enjoy the ride!

    • @aamirrazak3467
      @aamirrazak3467 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      lucky i wish i had them all i have to try and find them through ebay and the library lol

  • @PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy
    @PhilipChaseTheBestofFantasy 4 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I was five years old when the first Star Wars movie came out in theaters in 1977. It's the first movie I can remember watching, and I've been a fan ever since. Thanks for this video --- I enjoyed it very much!

  • @docvader82
    @docvader82 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Vector Prime, Star by Star, everything from TrAitor and onward.
    Basically I loved EVERYTHING involving Jacen from Star by Star and onward.

  • @markmanhire5104
    @markmanhire5104 3 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    I have read about 55+ novels in the EU and I absolutely love all of them. Now I may be biased because I am an avid Star Wars Collector but they are a must read.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      I concur.

    • @DarthVaderReturns1
      @DarthVaderReturns1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikesbookreviews i currently am reading the x wing book series njo book series legacy of the force book series and fate of the jedu book series all back to back to back to back all at the same time i just finished reading 3 star wars books in 2021 i read dark lord the rise of darth vader bloodlines by karen traviss betrayal by aaron allston all in one year

    • @juresaiyan
      @juresaiyan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      So am I.

    • @DarthVaderReturns1
      @DarthVaderReturns1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@juresaiyan the new jedi order is way better than the entire star wars sequel trilogy same goes with both legacy of the force and fate of the jedi book series along with the thrawn trilogy hand of thrawn duology and the x wing book series as well

    • @juresaiyan
      @juresaiyan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@DarthVaderReturns1 yes, absolutely

  • @joshuafowler883
    @joshuafowler883 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I have always looked at it this way. All these authors kept Star Wars alive when it was a non-factor at that point in the mainstream. Disney came along and said, "All this work you did, yeah, it doesn't mean shit." It was disrespectful to all the creators.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

      So glad you said that. Mandalorian was above average and everyone treats it like it’s the greatest show ever made. I didn’t know if I had just become so jaded that it wasn’t hitting the same or if it was just folks are so hungry for competent Star Wars they are over the moon when it isn’t garbage.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      I get that these are the things that happen with a corporate takeover but they could have handled it differently. They almost act as if they’re embarrassed about the EU when they need to put their eyes on the screen and be embarrassed by what they’ve done.

    • @turtleanton6539
      @turtleanton6539 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yuuup

    • @turtleanton6539
      @turtleanton6539 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @Mystic Scholars ofc

  • @JaimeEnFuego
    @JaimeEnFuego 4 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Spent tons of time reading the newer 'In-Canon' stuff, but beyond THRAWN I had not taken the time. You're legit inspiring me Good Sir.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I think you’d enjoy it. It’s not all brilliant but it felt like the Star Wars ending we deserved.

  • @CaptStewee08
    @CaptStewee08 4 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    Loved this series, I've only read through it once, maybe I need to again. Star by Star is so great!

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That ending though 😭

    • @CaptStewee08
      @CaptStewee08 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@mikesbookreviews Tough ending, but the ramifications from what happened in that entire book extend into the Legacy and Fate series!

  • @yaboijardo2319
    @yaboijardo2319 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Listened to the audiobooks of this series, finished it and immediately listened from the beginning through again, easily in my top 5 book series and I love star wars. It's impressive how so many authors kept the idea and point of the series reasonably together while feeling like star wars despite the weirdness of the story compared to what's before. Great characters and relationships, important moral quandries and philosophical themes. Beautiful series 9/10

  • @yaboijardo2319
    @yaboijardo2319 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Plageuis is a great start for the casual fan if they're interested in sith, a lot of interesting lore plus creamy sheev in spades and it ties into the prequels directly

    • @darrion508
      @darrion508 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +3

      I started with the Bane trilogy and then read Plagueis. I read all 4 while listening to the audiobooks and it was one HELL of a start to the EU. I feel like anyone who reads the Bane trilogy has to read Plagueis immediately after. I never cared for Episode 1 at all but that book had me invested in Trade Federation politics. Definitely amazing.

    • @yaboijardo2319
      @yaboijardo2319 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      @@darrion508 I loved the prequels because I'm a fuckin nerd and nostalgia probably but the plageuis novel does make them significantly better, all those plot points that are a mystery now have massive weight and backstory

  • @LiesandPolitics
    @LiesandPolitics 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    I dig your vibe, I can tell you’re really sincere about your love for the original EU and there’s nothing pretentious about it. Subscribed!

  • @RosLanta
    @RosLanta 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    "When Star Wars grew up" - absolutely, and very much why I love the New Jedi Order series so much. Well, that and for it giving us some of the best characters in Star Wars' history (Jaina Solo is a particular favourite of mine).
    I was coming up to the end of a full (year long!) re-read of post-ROTJ books when they announced that the EU was ending. I understood why but was so disappointed, especially when the Jaina-centric book I had been looking forward to was cancelled. I still miss it but there are so many EU books I love and still pick up from time to time.
    (Fate of the Jedi was... okay, but you didn't miss a lot really. It had its moments but it was a long way off the heights of the Thrawn trilogy or NJO.)

  • @Raechill92
    @Raechill92 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I recently discovered your channel and have enjoyed watching several of your videos. My TBR is now overflowing! I had the pleasure of meeting Zahn at a con, he was very nice! I’ve only read his more recent Thrawn books. I’ll have to fit this series in somehow!

  • @Webshooters1
    @Webshooters1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I think the main problem with the Disney Trilogy is this:
    1. The state of the galaxy isn't fleshed out, key parts that need to be explained in order for the movies to make sense are relegated to books.
    2. The legacy characters were not given the respect they deserved. Han is estranged from Leia and a relapsed smuggler, Luke fucked off to an island to die, and Leia is a general again. It's like our characters have regressed to what they were pre-ANH.
    3. It rips off elements of the EU and badly so. Turning Jacen into Kylo Ren without ANY of the depth, bringing Palpatine back is ripped straight out of Dark Empire, etc.
    But the worst part was Disney's decision to just nuke all of the EU and discontinue any stories that were part of it. They say it would be confusing to people but you already labeled it "Legends" so would it really be hard to have your new canon while still continuing the EU that by this point many have invested time and money into reading?
    But just seeing what they did just make me love the EU even more. Sure with so many books there are going to be some stinkers but I feel the majority of books were well-written and worth reading. Matthew Stover's ROTS novelization is a masterpiece.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I’m reading this and just nodding along. You nailed my feelings on it exactly.

    • @Webshooters1
      @Webshooters1 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@mikesbookreviews Then you have Kathleen saying they have no source material and alot are like "You have 40 years worth of content to draw on!"
      I think the only EU book I ever truly didn't like was Death Troopers and that's moreso because I don't like zombies.

    • @conradojavier7547
      @conradojavier7547 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Killing Luke's Jedi Order in a Flashback also means, Obi-Wan, & Yoda died for Nothing.

  • @adamborst
    @adamborst 4 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Love the EU! If you're a fan of Star Wars, the arcs that all the old and new characters go through are great. I haven't read them in a few years, but I may do a re-read later this year after getting through the new Butcher and Sanderson releases.

    • @DarthVaderReturns1
      @DarthVaderReturns1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      im a hardcore star wars fan and i miss my mom my mom passed away in jan of 2014 when she died i lost all my star wars books i once owned people picked on me bashed on me harrased me and bullied me in high school for being a fan of star wars harry potter and batman when i got into star trek i was bullied even more and harrased even more just because i read books i was called names for also reading books like the stand by stephen king lord of the rings the hobbit i was only 15 years old when i fist got into high school i was even bullied for my own taste in music i was bullied because i loved bands like metallica megadeth slayer anthrax and exodus i told my high school classroom who was my favorite charecte in harry potter and they put me down and bullied me i tryed explaining to the kids in my high school how imprtant reading was and how when charecters die it moves the story forward they didnt care i was bullied by a 25 year old when i first got into high school after he got expelled i found him on facebook and aol i found him gave him my address and i told come to my house right now lets fight like men instead of fighning me he blocked me one day i was minding my own business in the lunchroom a student and the 25 year old was doing something for the tv room and my friend travis was like hey interview nick he knows alot about star wars and harry potter and then they said no way man that kids gay hes a fag then when they were walking up the stairs i ludged at both of them the 25 year old turned around and fell on his butt and he looked seriously scared like he just saw a ghost the other guy who was on top of the stairs as well looked seriously scared as well when i ludeged at these two people i got held back at the end of the day they both looked like they saw either a monster or a ghost till this very day i bet they tell a very differnt story these idiots who picked on me in high school liked to bullie people when they had their friends with them they cant fight one on one or two on one like jedi or sith or even bounty hunters or smugglers if star wars charecters were real these kids would run away scared out of their minds if they met any star wars charecter including the new ones even tho i seriousluy hate rey poe finn and ben solo those charecers are far better warriors than they are and i was bullied in high school for beilining in gay rights as well i felt the day i scared both those students who were doing something for the tv room that were in my high school classroom of course this was a ese high school classroom could not read any book at all to save their own lifes but yet they bullied me for being a reader yet the 25 year old thinks im stupid and lame for being a star wars and a harry potter fan im sorry for ranting but i seriously had to tell you this

  • @Starwarsfearsome
    @Starwarsfearsome 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Wow what a good video! You did a great job at explaining your opinions without spoiling it. I have the first three books of this series and I haven’t read them yet as I’m reading a couple of OT books, but I must say now I want to get the whole series.

  • @KingOfAllBlerds
    @KingOfAllBlerds 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Just discovered your channel, I just read dark empire and now I am into the EU. I have a few of the comic adaptations from the thrawn trilogy and now I am searching all of this stuff out. Thanks for the content

  • @njoreviews8346
    @njoreviews8346 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I watched your video about 6 months ago. In that time I've read a few if the bantam era books and am on Dark Tide Ruin as of now. Loving this series.

  • @thamel863
    @thamel863 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Job done Mike, I'm sold and putting that on my TBR!!! Good stuff!

  • @monsouranda2822
    @monsouranda2822 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    That's the most epic thumbnail I ever seen.

  • @annetteanderson7482
    @annetteanderson7482 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Enjoyed the video. You have convinced me to pick this up again. I had read one or two books prior to the New Order many years ago but dropped out of any further reading in this EU. I will start catching up again and looking for the books.

  • @thelemmiebee
    @thelemmiebee 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    You’ve got some of the best TH-cam intros known to mankind. Great video mike! I love the EU. I’m glad you’re bringing it up and covering it

  • @thelemmiebee
    @thelemmiebee 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Stoked for this.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Adventure. Heh. Excitement? Hah. A Jedi craves not these things.

  • @TreySaunders88
    @TreySaunders88 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Keep the Star Wars videos up! Also I love the quotes in your intros

  • @sirremicable
    @sirremicable 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I love this series. I'm also a fan of the legacy era comic series that's set about 100 years after a new hope. that tells a story that ties right into the njo as well

  • @ACEnBEAKY
    @ACEnBEAKY 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    One one hand I kind of wish the sequel trilogy was about the Vong Crisis, on the other the Vong Crises has so much material that it would probably be better in a TV series. Theoretically, we could have both in the same way that the Clone Wars was filling in the gaps between the episodes of the Prequels.
    The Vong crisis might be a logical target for the third trilogy because look what it does as far as continuing a pattern. I need to read it for myself, but based on what a lot of people tell me, the Vong Invasion/Uprising would offer these desirable things for a sequel trilogy.
    1. Escalation of enemies. In the Prequels, the enemy was a rebel faction (the CIS). In the OT, the enemy was the government. If the Vong were the prequels, they're bigger than the galactic Empire. They're an entire galaxy's worth of invasion force, not just the government of this galaxy that's not completely divided.
    The threat is so big that the good guys and bad guys have to join forces (variety of good guys, leading into point number 2) and a new regime that's a fusion (leading into point number 3).
    2. Variety of enemies (and heroes): In the Prequels, the bad guys were largely droids. In the OT the bad guys were largely humans in plastic armor. In this one they are ghoulish aliens in bio armor with bio weapons (not to mention, it would be based on anti technology theocracy instead of a high tech secular regime inspired by, largely, fascism). Would have made the next Battlefront more interesting, am I right?
    Not to mention, the good guys wouldn't just look like Empire/Rebellion "light" they would have evolved and changed since then.
    3. Pivotal change of government: The prequels showed how the clone wars led to the transition from Old Republic to Empire. The OT showed the transition from Empire to Alliance/New Republic. The Vong if they were sequels, would show the transition from New Republic and Remnants to Galactic Federation.
    Also, in the previous trilogies, the winner absorbed the loser. This one there's a cross roads (Remnant and Republic Join, Vong sent away to clean up the mess they made).
    The Yuuzon Vong seem to be several Warhammer factions thrown together. They seem to be an empire of theocratic fanatics in heavy armor much like the Imperium of Mankind, but their use of bio technology is almost tyrannid in nature. Their pointed ears, sadism, and desire to augment their body is similar to the Dark Eldar.
    It's like they came from a galaxy where they put down their own equivalent of Necrons and it made them evil.
    Some people say that this makes your Star Wars a little too much like Warhammer 40k for their taste. That's not a deal breaker for me. If it can be original enough to not be derivative and it's fun, I'll give it a chance. Generation Tech's Alan, I believe, said that this was the part of star wars that also felt like a 1980s Arnold Schwarzenegger action flick. Not my cup of tea, but if done well I will give it a chance. I read one comic of it, and it seemed interesting enough, a bit dark and hard corp for Star Wars but again, that's not a deal breaker in and of itself.
    This might be the part of Star Wars Legends that would go well in a theoretical, adult swim style anime

  • @powermetalbard
    @powermetalbard 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Just recently started getting into the old EU after being a Star Wars fan for my entire life. I’ll definetly have to give these a shot once I am done with the Thrawn books. I’m having a blast with them!

  • @joesstrangejourney3387
    @joesstrangejourney3387 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hello, thanks again for this video. I really like Star Wars (the first trilogy) but I never had the opportunity to read a book of legends. You seem so passionate that I'll probably give it a try.

  • @aamirrazak3467
    @aamirrazak3467 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great video, i always found the idea of a new jedi order fascinating, and mara and the solo kids and seeing luke han and leia lead the next geneartion is so cool! I much prefer that to what we got with the sequels, as I am a huge EU fan and was upset they were considered non canon. Currently reading the second book in the NJO and can't wait to see how things go from here

  • @Historylord15
    @Historylord15 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I’m currently at book 6 of the series

  • @TheMenace9891
    @TheMenace9891 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Really appreciate the book reviews and recommendations man. I honestly haven’t read an actual book since I was in jr high. Until now of course. Lol just wanted to say thanks and I appreciate the content man.

  • @starwarstimeline
    @starwarstimeline 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Very cool video. I felt The New Jedi Order is one of the absolute stronger points in the EU (although too brutal & dark for SW "space fantasy" aesthetic at times.) The Solo kids went through some devastating challenges and seeing the lead characters suffer losses was very rewarding!

    • @DarthVaderReturns1
      @DarthVaderReturns1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      i was bullied in high school for being a star wars fan and yet im speacil needs its a long story and i love reading books like star wars star trek harry potter and more

  • @poolplayerbrian
    @poolplayerbrian 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Vector Prime got me back into the books for the exact same reasons as you. Only got through about the first four or five books which were awesome but ended up hitting a snag with a particular novel that derailed my momentum. May have to give it a another chance if I ever happen to get the down time again. Definitely enjoyed the fresh characters.

  • @Falsedragon298
    @Falsedragon298 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hey thanks for the review! I cannot wait to get through the original Thrawn trilogy, it has been so good. I wish I had read these books years ago, I was too busy absorbing Old Republic. It makes me sad but happy in a strange way that these still exist.
    Also you mentioned Star Trek in your video.. if you are a Star Trek fan the EU for that is AMAZING if you have not read that yet. If you have, a review video for that would be awesome!

  • @christopherdyer2046
    @christopherdyer2046 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I loved Jasen solos arc especially through the last few books but I hated the direction they took him after the yuzahn vong war. I interpreted his place in the world way different I guess

    • @magnenoalex2
      @magnenoalex2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I disagree i think its natural progression

  • @gibbs615
    @gibbs615 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    What I would like to see is a SW movie trilogy that takes place in the LEGENDS EU timeline! One of the things about it is the rebel alliance was more stronger and had more resources too.

  • @TheBlackstaff
    @TheBlackstaff 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I recommend starting the Thrawn trilogy by Zhan and the Jedi Academy trilogy by Keven J Anderson. The Anderson trilogy is the actual start of Luke's Jedi order.

  • @BlackSteelKeyChain
    @BlackSteelKeyChain 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    My favorite Legends era series God I wish it got the clone wars treatment and got a animate adaption that also expanded the lore it deserves it so much

  • @PnutButtaJllyMan
    @PnutButtaJllyMan 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    I love the new jedi order series. Its a favorite of mine. I agree its not perfect, there are some books that miss the mark, but overall its amazing. Star by Star by Troy Denning and Traitor by Matthew Stover are my favorites. One day I'd like to do a big reread of the series.

  • @geofflink6264
    @geofflink6264 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I read the first book it was good. I love the legacy of the force stuff.

  • @IhlowistenAG
    @IhlowistenAG 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i am total with you! the NJO books were the best sw books in my opinion. I loved them so much and even though i parted with most of my star wars obsession i will never part from my NJO books, ever. Sure they had their flaws but they where so much fun! Loved some Clonewars books and the Darth Bane saga, too or the x-wing and wraith squadron books from time past but none where as entertaining, shocking and just full of the finest star wars and jedi action anyone could wish for. nothing shocked me more, talking about my fanfeelings and fanlove for a thing then when disney decided to declare the SWEU finished. i almost stopped reading SW completely..well i did not.. but i dont read them like i used and they are not as they are used to.

  • @Edog1337
    @Edog1337 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Jacen and Jaina, the Vong, Coruscant underworld, loved it. Had some problems with Vong power scaling. This NJE saga was the ending of the EU for me. Cathartic ending, became crazy with the 2 follow up series and Jacens heel turn, and a magic Cthulhu lady.

    • @magnenoalex2
      @magnenoalex2 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I like it. Jacen solos turn is much better then Ben solo. Everybody's said its too abrupt his turn but like did they forget about all of New jedi order its a continuation of his development in that. And im glad its not all sunshine and rainbows. And the mortis arc in clone wars was super popular and I loved them so im sure I would enjoy fate which I haven't read yet.

  • @yokiryuchan7655
    @yokiryuchan7655 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    The EU will always be canon to me. The Disney stuff is set in an alternate timeline. Julianne Moore would have been perfect as Mara Jade.

  • @t.d.w.maverick5727
    @t.d.w.maverick5727 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Expanding Univers.🎉 It's Caled.😊❤.

  • @mitchellkois1601
    @mitchellkois1601 4 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Growing up I was always way more into Star Trek. I just felt like there was more world to explore.
    Now in adulthood, I've rediscovered a love for reading. And I've been meaning to check out some Star Wars books so I'm glad I now have a good place to start.
    Because sweet Jesus there's a lot of them. And I've heard a lot of them aren't worth the time.

    • @turtleanton6539
      @turtleanton6539 4 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      There was way more world in Star Trek but star wars is much better.

    • @juresaiyan
      @juresaiyan 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@turtleanton6539 I agree.

  • @BantisMedia
    @BantisMedia 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I would recommend fate of the Jedi, fat from perfect but another great take on a new villian

  • @t.d.w.maverick5727
    @t.d.w.maverick5727 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I ❤ Read 📚 Some of it.🎉😊❤.

  • @stuart00knight
    @stuart00knight หลายเดือนก่อน

    I just did listen through the unabridged NJO. They're not officially released, but you can find them on youtube. Really great series. Now I'm on The Dark Nest series before going onto the Legacy of the Force and Fate of the Jedi series.

  • @dkmoon7543
    @dkmoon7543 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I read most of the SW books up to NJO. I got a couple NJO books back then, but took a break and started Wheel of Time. Then SW Episodes I, II, and III were just so-so and just never went back to any of the SW books. With the newer SW movies (being what they are), just didn't have much interest in any of the books. BUT you do make it sound exciting enough for me to consider. I keep a short TBR and it's full. When it empties some, I may reconsider the NJO books. Thanks for another good video. On Dresden Small Favor right now. Loved the 20 foot dude saying his big brother is going to kill Dresden!

  • @pyroblade6150
    @pyroblade6150 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    It’s a shame Disney decided not to do the NJO storyline because the potential is there to be bigger than the MCU. And they’ve shown with the MCU that they don’t mind adapting from source material so I really don’t understand the pushback with Star Wars.
    Vector Prime is a perfect opener to the series. Star by Star is incredibly good. The ending had me in tears and the ramifications of this single book are felt in the rest of the EU. Traitor was amazing and the series builds from there to The Unifying Force; the best ending to a book series I’ve read.
    Disney could have had it all with the NJO. A proper follow up to the OT, treat our beloved characters with the story and respect they deserve, pass the torch to a new cast of characters and, for Disney, have another (arguably bigger) MCU.
    Also Jaina and Mara Jade >>>>>>>>>> Rey. If they were looking for a new female character to lead the Star Wars franchise forward then Jaina should have been their top choice.
    Also I really enjoyed Legacy of the Force and Fate of the Jedi. Should definitely give those a read as well.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If they had pulled from this road map, Epsiode 9 would have been every bit as bag as Avengers Endgame was.

  • @txy9911
    @txy9911 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hype!

  • @mrpopodopalis1056
    @mrpopodopalis1056 6 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Hopefully you do more Star Wars EU videos I'm just now getting into it.

  • @morandasavich9563
    @morandasavich9563 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just finished the series a month ago. I already want to the-read it. That’s not usually my style, with so many other books to read on my list.

  • @kyrilson71
    @kyrilson71 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh yeah man!! One of my personal faves!! A lot of people don't like this series, but I read them all and I loved them. I don't care about the purist view or any of that other bullshit. I like all of the Star Wars books and view them all as their own differing timelines and just enjoy them on their own.

  • @Uncouthsasquach
    @Uncouthsasquach 4 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I almost missed this video in my sub feed, I'm glad I didn't. Any time anyone I know expresses any interest in star wars books, I always tell them to read the NJO series, because it was so damn good.

  • @edosaomoruyi1
    @edosaomoruyi1 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    THAT INTROOOOOO😤😤😤😤

  • @kingkusnacht
    @kingkusnacht 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Think you're a bit wrong about Hand of Thrawn personally, think it might actually be better than the Thrawn trilogy, particularly when considering how amazingly it ties together and wraps up its Era.

  • @justintack5205
    @justintack5205 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I was in middle school and high school when the New Jedi Order novels were coming out, and I continued up to Legacy of the Force. Personally, I think I would stop at New Jedi Order on a re-read now, but that's possibly to personal taste. I did like certain aspects of the new Star Wars movies, but the story and (ESPECIALLY) the enemies of NJO were fantastic.

  • @ShoeboxActual
    @ShoeboxActual 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Old buddy of mine recommended this series to me. Told him i was disappointed with the sequels and I was reading stand alone EU books. He sent me the first 3 of the series for Christmas. Can't get enough, definitely wish the sequels were based off this series. It's been a hot minute since I was this engrossed in a book series.

  • @jamesi9174
    @jamesi9174 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Spreading the word of pre-Disney Star Wars EU? You've got yourself a new subscriber, sir.

  • @PrivateEye10
    @PrivateEye10 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I really love your intros! Thanks for leaving the source of the music this time, but did you ever found the source of the other videos intros?

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Which ones? I usually give credit in the descriptions.

    • @PrivateEye10
      @PrivateEye10 4 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@mikesbookreviews The one of "why you should read the expanded universe" you didn't credit that one and I have been looking like crazy for it, its so good I want it!

  • @asfaloth12
    @asfaloth12 3 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    This brings back some good memories
    I agree that Disney should have pulled some elements from this series. It would have been amazing to see the Yuuzhan Vong on the big screen. And Mara Jade! How could they not have included her?
    Side note: Daisy Ridley would have been a perfect Jaina Solo.

    • @DarthVaderReturns1
      @DarthVaderReturns1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      i hate to say this but the sequel trilogy is pure filth and garbage before disney got the rights to star wars their was going to be a sword of the jedi trilogy of books featuring jaina solo fel but when disney got the rights they cancelled all the eu books that were going to be made yes they cancelled them heck they even cancelled a new star wars video game that never got made called star wars 1313 it got cancelled as well besides i heard a rumor that troy denning was going to write the sword of the jedi trilogy featuring jaina solo fel thats what i heard but it got cancelled plus aaron allston died in 2014 which saddens me hes my favorite star wars author along with k w jeter and timothy zahn and matthew stover im trying to read new eu buts its not as good as old eu im reading heir to the jedi and its not as good as my favorite luke skywalker book written by matthew stover called luke skywalker and the shadows of mindor basically thats the first book to feature black armored storm troopers basicallu rogue one ripped that off and the entire sequel trilogy seriously steals alot of legends stuff as well like differnt colored x wings and other colored ships and im pissed off the y wigs were not in the last jedi those new bomber ships looked stupid dumb and lame compared to the y wings they tryed soo hard to make the new cast work the rise of skywalker destroyed star wars for me the movie i wanted to get made never got made due kathleen kennedy firing two seriously talented guys i wanted to see star wars episode 9 duel of the fates which never got made because kathleen kennedy fired my favorite team yet in the rise of skywalker tey still got writers credit you got to read star wars episode 9 duel of the fates on wikipedia its far better and far more powerful than the rise of skywalker yes they still rip off old eu but its done proply and it has style and it actually feels like a true star wars movie and it ties the force awakens and the last jedi together and forms a awesome trilogy and guess what the ending of the duel of the fates is more better than the rise of skywalker

  • @Skywalker20239
    @Skywalker20239 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I like new jedi order books series a lot, i think all books is great)))

  • @andrewbirkett698
    @andrewbirkett698 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Mike, any chance of a bit of quick advice.
    I’ve just finished reading pleagius after finishing the bane trilogy. Do you believe it’s worth reading the other old republic (fatal alliance etc) novels before I move forward in the EU timeline? I really enjoyed the babe trilogy and love the old republic

  • @marcusmusings
    @marcusmusings 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    would love to see you do your ranking of the EU books

  • @plungeybabie
    @plungeybabie 4 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Alright, I'm sold. My bank account is not a fan of you.

  • @PizzaNife
    @PizzaNife 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    New Jedi Order pulled me in, but Legacy of the Force is my favorite arc of Star Wars EU. I was for sure one of those sad boys when Disney disavowed the EU because I desperately wanted to see Jaina and Jacen and Anakin and Ben on screen in some way.

  • @JoshyBoy98311
    @JoshyBoy98311 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Just got back into the old EU. I had just started reading the old EU when Disney threw the EU out. I got mad and didn’t even read the Thrawn trilogy. I got back and just finished the Thrawn Trilogy and was blown away! Can’t wait to get to the New Jedi Order!

  • @bobc538
    @bobc538 8 วันที่ผ่านมา

    If Disney wanted toys and a lot of movies, this would have been the perfect series for them to use. I think they just didn't want to share the money for one thing. It is one of the very best series I've ever read. I love the Yuzhon Vong.

  • @endc3043
    @endc3043 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

    This is a great start for me to get into and forget what disney made since they bought the rights to Lucas..

  • @joshfuller5076
    @joshfuller5076 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Was laid up in a hospital after the first of 2 surgeries when I started this series back in 2003. Agreed it did kind of suffer from bloat, but that didn't stop me from devouring the series in less than 6 months. The ending of the war was properly awesome.

  • @t.d.w.maverick5727
    @t.d.w.maverick5727 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I❤Was So Looking Thame Doring The Roque Squad Movie 🎬 s.

  • @marcofeola8094
    @marcofeola8094 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    best book series ever, its such a bummer that the only have the audio books in abridged copies for the new jedi order, especially for star by star! like wtf?! i never have time to read the hard copies anymore but they cut out half the story!

  • @williamjones3534
    @williamjones3534 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Oh Mike !
    You had me at the old Star Wars universe. I'm getting those old SW chills as I watch the opening. By the way is it me or does Sebastian Stan look like older Luke? You do know they did a mock up of Sebastian Stan as Luke/Mark Hammel and the resemblance was uncanny. You know what would have been my dream casting would be if Disney did things right and did the Thrawn trilogy? Anthony Ingruber as Han, Donald Glover (with perm) as Lando and Sebastian Stan as Luke. I'm not sure who I would want to replace Carrie Fisher. But that would be my dream casting if I actually trusted Disney to do it right. What do you think? I would have watched your video earlier but that pesky Real life lol.
    By the way you ghosting me man?! I was in your live stream and you didn't even say hello! :P. I know I haven't commented as much but you cover a bunch of books some I may read quite a few I wont. Also I've been working on my own stuff. Any way I'll say it again congrats on 15,000 subs and you having a Patreon!
    Expanded or Extended works. I've heard both used interchangeably

  • @christianvincentcostanilla8428
    @christianvincentcostanilla8428 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Revive Old Star Wars legends

  • @marcofeola8094
    @marcofeola8094 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    chewbacca was sad, anakin even sadder, but jacen that one broke the dam, i re-read the series from the ld republic with the darth bane series all the way up to crucible , then i do game of thrones then the kingkiller chronicles then back to my star wars and every time i dread chewbacca, dred anakin, but then i get to jacen and jaina and the damn breaks all over, it kills me everytime, I always identified with jacen the most, so getting to where they are born and their adventures together and jacen saving the galaxy then becoming the big bad I know where its leading and it still kills me at that final moment at where jaina is holding him and it tears my heart out. I know you say start with thrawn but DONT SKIP A SINGLE BOOK!!! if you have to start with a "TRUCE AT BAKURA" AND WORK YOUR WAY ALL THE WAY UP TO "CRUCIBLE"!! I get why he's saying start with thrawn but you cant skip all the books they are all great, some are out there but by the "legacy of the force" story line it start going back to those other stories that are more out there, "children of the jedi" "dark saber" "twilight dawn" the "corellia trilogy" IT ALL COMES FULL CIRCLE IN LEGACY AND FATE OF THE JEDI!! and do your self a favor do not miss the darth bane rule of 2 trilogy that is the origin of the rule of 2, and dont miss DARTH PLAGIOUS!! SOOOOOO GOOOD!! the origin of palpatine and his master it is so freaking good and after reading it it makes 1,2 and 3 make so much sense that it makes those movies actually really good!!
    I promise you DO NO0T MISS A SINGLE BOOK WRITTEN PRE DISNEY!! THE REAL SOLO AND SKYWALKER KIDS CAN NOT BE MISSED!! just skip bridged audio books they destroty the story and the shit hey cut out m,akes nothing make sense!! unabridged is fine!!

    • @juresaiyan
      @juresaiyan 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Wow, a true fan. Respect!

  • @blacklabelz9
    @blacklabelz9 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Mike this might be one of your cheesiest intros to any video of yours I've seen over the years. AND IM TOTALLY INTO IT.

  • @RiddlesOfSteel
    @RiddlesOfSteel 4 หลายเดือนก่อน

    My EU collection is a holy relic during these dark times. The comics and books keep the feeling alive. I've lived long enough to live in my own swamp/desert like Yoda and Obi-Wan hiding from Disney I mean the Empire

  • @t.d.w.maverick5727
    @t.d.w.maverick5727 ปีที่แล้ว +1

  • @katya2032
    @katya2032 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love the EU. It actually felt like the Star Wars Universe, more so than the sequels. I honestly think they didn't mine from the EU because the authors, despite the stories being owned by Disney, had a contractual clause that set additional fees for additional use, and Disney didn't want to pay them It blows because there are some things in those stories that could have made the movies so much stronger.

  • @ArtyrVandelae
    @ArtyrVandelae 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Eye of the world and The Great Hunt are in reverse order and I can’t unsee it.

    • @mikesbookreviews
      @mikesbookreviews  4 ปีที่แล้ว

      Ha ha thanks for letting me know. I was checking which editions I had and put them back wrong.

    • @ArtyrVandelae
      @ArtyrVandelae 4 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Mike's Book Reviews No problem, I’m so ocd lol. I picked the wholesale editions a few weeks back for real cheap. As long as they match the set I’m fine with not having early copies!

  • @christianvincentcostanilla8428
    @christianvincentcostanilla8428 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    The first old Star Wars legends :
    Star wars the splinter of the minds eye by Alan Dean Foster

    • @ImTheReverse
      @ImTheReverse 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Why do you spam this everywhere?

  • @docvader82
    @docvader82 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    Damn, I don't have the time to read them again(I've read the NJO/DN3/LOTF 3x, but the last time was 10 years ago). But I could play the audiobooks while I'm doing paperwork.

  • @turtleanton6539
    @turtleanton6539 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    I am just started Vector Prime

  • @gatling216
    @gatling216 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    Legacy of the Force and Fate of the Jedi both suffered from the same problem: Aaron Alston and Troy Denning were just not on the same page with the third co-author, and they actively worked to minimize the impact of their stories and their ideas. Karen Traviss pretty much made the Mandalorians what they are today, and her fingerprints are all over The Mandalorian. Christie Golden made the Lost Tribe feel like a legitimate threat. Both got screwed over, hard, by the other two. Hell, Lucas screwed over Traviss and her version of the Mandos before the EU was even officially cancelled. It's nice to see that they're rolling that back a little with the new TV series, but it still feels like too little, too late.
    I had some serious problems with the NJO, namely how inconsistent it felt at times, but overall it was a fun ride.

  • @michaelquon1754
    @michaelquon1754 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Hands down anakin solo was the best character. Star by star was such a good book .

    • @pyroblade6150
      @pyroblade6150 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Anakin was my favorite! Star by Star is an incredible book. Unifying Force is one of the best ending books to a series I’ve read (Star Wars or otherwise)

  • @turtleanton6539
    @turtleanton6539 4 ปีที่แล้ว

    I gotta see if I can find any of these book.

    • @turtleanton6539
      @turtleanton6539 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      I did! Thrawn 1-3 and vector prime

  • @jeffk3746
    @jeffk3746 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    ‘Traitor’ is the best Star Wars book straight up

  • @davidaguirre2300
    @davidaguirre2300 3 ปีที่แล้ว

    i did hear audio books I love books lot

  • @geek8555
    @geek8555 ปีที่แล้ว

    My question is, since it's nineteen books in the series, which books are more essential? I just want to know, because while I am interested in reading the series, nineteen books is too much for me and I would like to know which ones I could skip