Lucas Reviews

For any lawyer, this book is a must. But it has so much valuable information in it about how people communicate that anyone could benefit from reading it. I have seen many books that merely tell me what I already know about observing and communicating with people. As a lawyer, a writer, and an actress, I find that this book gives me real, practical approaches that can be used in a variety of ways -- to reach others deeply, or to win an argument against them. I'm glad it is now available in a more affordable edition.

As a parent preparing for a first time college search, I have found The Winning Way to be extremely helpful. It is quite user-friendly and I particularly like the time line feature of what to do at each high school grade level. It has helped to make a sometimes confusing venture much easier.

I had planned to read this book for a while, and I was looking forward to it a lot, since the kids' one was way to short and boring even when I was ten years old. So, as you can probably guess my expectations were rather high, too high perhaps, but even so I was not disapointed. George Lucas has proved himself not only an excellent filmmaker, but also a great author as well. This book, while a bit dry at times, illustrates the movie in a spectacular fashion, and breathes new life into it, so that it seems interesting all over again. I read it one day when I was stuck in a hotel room, but this book was so interesting I litterally could not put it down. Every true Star Wars fan should read this, since it completly tells the story with a bunch of added stuff, that truly flesh out the story and that were completly missing from the movie. One thing that surprised me was the occasional small details that were changed. Such as Threepio being described as bronze instead of gold, and Luke being Blue 5 instead of Red 5. Another thing that struck me as odd was the slight differences in characters, Luke and Ben most noticably. Ben is less wise, more mischevious, and at times even funny, a previously unheard of thing! Luke also is slightly different. He seems, well, less innocent, more stupid, and even acts like somewhat of a jerk at times, and is all around more heroic and self centered, and generaly less cute. This was both interesting and annoying, since Luke was always my favorite character and to be honest I liked him better the other way. Leia is also noticably different, she being somewhat less strong, which annoyed me somewhat. Anyway, this was an excellent book, that deserved an honest four stars.

I LOVE this book. I have always been a reader, but it usually takes me a long time. This book was easily finished in 2 days, just about a record. The detail just engulfs the reader. You can see everything. It's about 20 times better than the movie. Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, this book can easily make you one. The only downfall is that the famous "Help Me, Obi-Wan Kenobi" speech by Princess Leia has been altered. Even though, this book is an absolute must for any age. (I know, being only 16.) What else can I say? AMAZING!!!!

Okay...I have owned several copies of this book. Never the hardcover, since that one is rare ... It is lovely to look at and the screenplay...the fourth draft, which has scenes that were cut in the first version and some adapted in the Special Edition, gives us more of the story as it would be presented in the novel and radio dramatization. It is a wonderful book to look at, ALTHOUGH my other copies had the weakness of falling apart even if one was careful when perusing it. Some problem with the binding, I imagine. It is worth getting, though.

The most annoying thing about this book is that it is all written in past tense. Even the opening narration text that appears in the film has been changed to past tense. This book is not worth reading if you can get your hands on anything better, pertaining to this film.

I can much more recommend the Phantom Menace Movie Scrapbook, for almost 200 color photos from the film; or the Illustrated Screenplay, which tells the story alot better, and in much greater detail and accuracy, (it even has interesting scenes and dialogue that ended up getting edited out of the final film version).

This book is poorly written, but the photos are worth looking at.

-Bryan Leed, Dayton, Ohio

First off, I thought the flick was pretty good, though a little too slow in the middle. It needed more action, more depth, less clumsy dialogue, and less kiddie stuff. We all know that now. Okay. With that in mind, the screenplay is great in some parts, and groan out loud bad in others. If you're one of the more forgiving (and less bandwagon-jumping obsessed) hardcore fans, it's a treasure. Even with all it's faults, it's cool to sit down and read how the pieces begin to fall into place. Also, this is an uncut script, so a lot of the deleted stuff you see on the DVD is in here, as is some cut dialogue. Again, I wouldn't advise this for the passive Star Wars fan, but it is a must-have for the REAL (being a relative term, of course) Star Wars fan.

I say this is WAY BETTER THAN THE NOVEL, you gotta read this if you want to know Lucas's TRUE vision of Episode I; but still the book has some low points however: they could at least improve the paperback quality, and I would had fill it with real screenshots among the storyboards. Besides you can use it to learn more about Lucas's storytelling style: this was written entirely by George Lucas that's why the whimp hollywood critics say that the film has a very chessy dialogue, I partially agree with them, but I still say Lucas is a wonderful storyteller and he deserves more credit, however there are some problems on these writtings that even a man with a big imagination has to deal with: I know that when you write a whole story and you make the dialogue yourself you tend to repeat the same lines again later (ex.: "you assume to much") the Star Wars IV's script has the same problem, good thing Lucas has hired another guy to help him finish the Ep.II script. I definitely liked the way this book is written, and I'm sure the film's dialogue would have been better if some lines of this book were not deleted.

This third entry in Sandford's "Prey" series really establishes why the series has been so popular. In this thriller, Lucas Davenport (our favorite lustful detective) faces two killers of indescribable evil. Michael Bekker is a handsome, soulless pathologist who works with a deformed "troll," Carlos Druze, in kind of "Strangers on a Train" twist. Druze kills Bekker's wife, and Dekker decks Cruze's mean boss. But it doesn't stop there, oh no...more gruesome murders occur and Bekker turns out to be one of the most vile villains in this genre. The taking of the eyes of the victims to appease Bekker's warped conscience is chilling and quite disturbing. Davenport's usual supporting characters, including Chief Daniel, Sloan, and Lester, all return, and the plot twists move quicker and faster than in the other "Preys."

The best in the series to this point.

This is the third Prey series book I'm reading and I believe I have hit the best one. I know I've become addicted to the series. It's hard to got to bed at night and just the book down! The dualism in Bekker and Cruze and their cooperation is a stroke of genius. Just out and out excellent storyline and characterization. The more I read about Davenport, the more I really enjoy reading about his life. I think he's a character who really appeals to men, judging from what I read here. But I as a women I find him a breath of fresh air from all other characters within the genre I've read so far (Scarpetta is too self-absorbed and self-congratulating; Alex Cross is fine, if a warm and fuzzy crime-fighting family man is your thing) But I just get a warm feeling reading about Davenport, his way with women, his dark humour, his style and realism. He's got a take-control, almost macho appeal combined with an intelligence and insight that we all wish we could come across in real life. Must admit I have a crush on him, just dying to read and re-read about his further adventures in the Twin Cities.

I read numerous books and, up until now, haven't read any of the prey series. I was suspect at first, since I'm in academics, I thought this series might be poorly written--as are some popular novels that seem to fly off the book shelves. Having been skeptical at first, I was floored by Sandford's writing and ability to place you right beside Lucas Davenport, and watch the fast-paced plot unravel. Lucas is a self-destructive character that seems to come out smelling like a rose by the end of the book. As of now there are 14 Prey novels, and I have purchased all of them--after reading Eyes of Prey, of course.

Eyes of Prey is acutally the third book in the series and catches up with Davenport as he is chasing a killer that has a nasty habit of taking the eyes from his victims. The pace of the book is fast, and the plot is peppered with so many twists and turns that you will be unable to stop reading--I read the book in two days. Davenport is the type of character that keeps you wanting more as you finger each page, anticipating the next exciting plot-twist.

I would recommend that you pick up all of the prey books, but start at the beginning--I unfortunatley did not. 14 in all and here are the books in order:

RULES OF PREY
SHADOW PREY
EYES OF PREY
SILENT PREY
WINTER PREY
NIGHT PREY
MIND PREY
SUDDEN PREY
SECRET PREY
CERTAIN PREY
EASY PREY
CHOSEN PREY
MORTAL PREY
NAKED PREY--just released this year!!!

Overall, this is not a huge book, but contains elements to complete the movies storyline. Even with a 3 film span, the book is harder to read than most Star Wars novels, including SW Episode II. However, George Lucas' vision is realized in the most basic of ways in the 3 stories that weren't shown on film. Simply put, you aren't embarking on a strict movie tie-in when you turn the pages, rather a raw form that the movies followed. For those that want to read the original storyline, and I'm not saying it's 100% different than the movie counterpart, pick up this read. It's hard to put down. The first tale, A New Hope (Episode IV), shows Lucas' initial vision, while Ep. V & VI more or less expand the story already in place. No true Star Wars fan should be without this, if I may, companion piece.

***The reviewer is author of: Amber Spirit: Poems & Stories (Hats Off Books, 2001) and a frequent magazine contributer & short story contest judge.

Rated and reviewed by ROBERT ELDRIDGE

The books are great, but they only serve as for you remembering the movie, knowing a couple of things that were cut but were written in the script and knowing what these great characters were thinking at the very moment.

The books are short, yes and if it were only for them the Star Wars book universe would be very short, that's why Lucas has hired so many talented authors to expand the book universe in all of those novels that have come out explain what happened before and after the story that he's presented to us in his movies.

These books are not on what the movies are based, the scripts were written before, the scripts are of about 100 pages each, these books are novelizations of the movies that came from the scripts, these books are almost the scripts only that in novel format.

Stop posting reviews commenting on that they are too short, because for me they are not all what we've gotten, we've gotten many other novels that are not to be taken as each story they are to be taken as ONE huge amazing story filled with everything, comedy, drama, action, adventure, love, romance, some stupid points and some intelligent points, there's a little bit of everything in a story set on a galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars: A New Hope By George Lucas
This book is very similar to the movie. If you haven't seen It, I recommend it.

The Empire Strikes Back By Donald F. Glut
This book is very similar to the movie. If you haven't seen It, I recommend it. There are several slight differences between this tale and the one featured on film, but not very major ones. I think it presents a better representation of some of the concepts used in this film, and I recommend seeing that, too.

The Return of the Jedi By James Kahn
This book is very similar to the movie. If you haven't seen It, I recommend it.
There are several slight differences between this tale and the one featured on film, but not very major ones. I think it presents a better representation of some of the concepts used in this film, and I recommend seeing that, too.

Ok...This book was ok.It's true to the movie, except for minor detail.For example,in the movie , if they said"hey,theres a ship!" The book may say "look, there is a ship".This is a feeble attempt to make the book seem fresh and new after you've seen the movie.But it is a really good collectors item, especially if you get the collectors edition that comes with a print.I wasnt expecting a lot, to be honest with you, because the movie wasnt based on the book, so, in that respect, the book is pretty good.But after watching the movie 100 times over,it just doesn;t capture the feel of the mos eisley pod race, or the action of the final lightsaber duel.But, this is a pretty good book,all things considered.It has some cool stuff in it, and sticks to the movies plot.After all, if you want to know what happened elsewhere during and before E1, theres the star wars journals, and the jedi apprentice series by jude watson.This is an excellent read if you've never seen the movie, and it does a pretty good job if you have.Pick thisone up if youre a fan.

A Wrinkle in Time
By: Patricia C. Wrede
...
P.1

The book Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace is a great book. In the beginning of the book, two Jedi knights, Qui-gon Jinn and Obi-wan Kenobi travel to a Trade Federation control ship. When they are there, they find out that they are planning an invasion on the peaceful planet of Naboo. They then sneak onto one of the landing ships and inform the queen of the invasion. While they are there, they meet a Gungan named Jar-Jar Binks. The two jedi, the queen, and her maidens barely escape the planet on a Naboo cruiser. They stop on a planet called Tattoine on the outskirts of the galaxy because their hyperdrive is leaking. When they are there, they meet a young boy named Anakin Skywalker. Qui-gon senses that the force is strong with him, so he takes him with them to Courasant, the planet where they can talk to the supreme council about the invasion. After that, they go back to Naboo. They fight a big battle and finally get the planet back.
One reason why I liked this book is because of the good story line. It is a good story because of all the great characters and the setting. I especially liked the Jedi knights and the planet Courasant. It is a planet that is entirely a city.
The second reason why I liked this book is because of the action. In the beginning of the book, Qui-gon and Obi-wan have to fight their way out of a Trade Federation ship, and in the end of the book, there is a battle between the Gungans and the Trade Federation battle druids.
My favorite part of the book was when Anakin was in a podrace. I liked it because it is like racing cars, but with different vehicles. It was very exciting, and in the end Anakin won and was no longer a slave. I would definitely recommend this book to other readers.

It's amazing how, she started out and finished writing a "CHILDREN'S MIDDLE-GRADE novelization of the new "Star Wars" movie" and it came out better than the "Terry Brooks's "big" adult novelization".

I've been a fan of her work for a while now, she manages to write interesting books, yet keep them simple, where you can't put it down. Perhaps my overall favorites are the Enchanted Forest Chronicles, if you liked this book, be sure to read all of the EFC. Also several reviews mentioned how the battle scenes weren't described too much, well, that's how she writes, going into the story, rather than pointless facts about some 10 digit coded names of ships or droids. Also one mentioned how she didn't use "complex words", a book does not need unneccesory complications to it, will those words make the book better ? more enjoyable to read ? I can't understand these people. The whole point of the book is to enjoy the story, not judge how complex the words are and how much they can be twisted. It all comes to less is more.

Again, this wasn't aimed for general public, middle-grade levels preatty much.

Ohh and by the way, it's Mrs. Wrede.

Return of the Jedi has always been my favorite Star Wars movie, both because I like how all the characters matured, (especially Luke) and because it finally delt face to face with the dark side, possibly the best force of evil ever thought of in the realms of fiction. This book exheeded not only my expectations for the book itself (which were very high) but even surpassed the movie in some ways. The author has a deep, highly emotional writing syle which apealed to me greatly, and was so profound that all through the book I truly felt as if was there, a part of the story. Every Star Wars fan should read this at some point, especially those who didn't like Return of the Jedi because they thought it was weaker than the others. I could almost garantee this book would change their minds. Also, the author did a tremendous job on the characters. Just they way they were presented made me truly feel for them, even characters who were previously not my favorites. At times this book had me sitting on the edge of my seat actually wondering if maybe this time it would turn out differently, and the part where Anakin Skywalker dies almost had me in tears. Anyway, I don't think think this book belongs in any particular age range, though probably some of it (in fact a lot of it) would most likely go over the heads of people younger then twelve or so.

You'll never see me cite one Star Wars movie being better than all the others (at least until Episode III comes out, which I'm convinced has the potential to be the best movie of all time), but as far as the novelizations go, Return of the Jedi is by far my favorite.

If you didn't already know it, there are a handful of important details included within this book that didn't make it into the movie. These details alone are reason enough for all Star Wars fans to read this book. When Episode III finally comes around, you will be able to appreciate it much more having read this book.

However, the true strength of this book is the wonderful portrayal of the characters. So much depth was given to them that it just strengthened all of the reasons why I love Star Wars. And the reason I do love Star Wars is because of the characters. While all the sci-fi stuff is really great, it is the story of these characters that has drawn me into this universe. Reading about Luke flaunting with the Dark Side as he faces against Vader and the Emperor is gut wrenchingly incredible.

This is the third part of a three part story. I recommend reading the first two parts first respectively - the third part is a treat you won't regret.

In the wake of the success of radio adaptations of Star Wars and The Empire Strikes Back in the early 1980s, there was no doubt that Return of the Jedi would be aired on National Public Radio. Both series had increased NPR's audience significantly, and many Star Wars fans waited anxiously for the conclusion of the George Lucas trilogy set "a long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away" to hit the airwaves.

However, the mid- to late 1980s were a "dark time" for public broadcasting as Congress (no doubt guided by the Sith) cut back on funding the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (partially because Republicans felt there was too much of a liberal slant in both NPR and its television counterpart, PBS). And even though George Lucas had generously donated the radio rights to KUSC-Los Angeles (his alma mater's radio station) for $1.00, producing even a short Star Wars radio series was expensive, so for over 12 years the Return of the Jedi adaptation lived only in the hopes and dreams of writer Brian Daley, sound engineer Tom Voegeli, and thousands of Star Wars fans.

Enter Highbridge Audio. This Minnesota-based company produced the audio cassette and CD releases of both Star Wars radio dramas, and possibly because of good sales they commissioned most of the team behind the Star Wars and Empire serials. Daley was again at the writing helm, even as he bravely fought a battle with cancer. John Madden, a veteran radio and film director, returned to direct. And while Mark Hamill was not available to reprise his role as Luke Skywalker, all of the other cast members from the previous Radio Dramas returned: Ken Hiller as the Narrator, Perry King as Han Solo, Ann Sachs as Leia, Anthony Daniels as C-3PO, Bernard Behrens as Ben Kenobi, John Lithgow as Yoda and Brock Peters as Lord Darth Vader. Rounding out the cast: Joshua Fardon as a passable Luke Skywalker, Ed Begley, Jr. as Boba Fett, Ed Asner (of Lou Grant fame) as Jabba the Hutt, Arye Gross as Lando Calrissian and Paul Hecht as Emperor Palpatine.

Of all the Radio Dramas, Return of the Jedi is the shortest: six episodes and a running time of almost three hours. Thus the focus is on the events depicted within the film and very few extra scenes. The opening is different: Jedi begins with Luke completing his lightsaber, followed by a meeting between Darth Vader and the Emperor on Coruscant (the feeling I got was that the two Dark Jedi Masters sensed Luke's Force growth just as he ignites his laser sword on Tatooine). The movie's opening scene (Vader's arrival on the unfinished second Death Star) is moved to mid-series, since most of Episodes 1 and 2 deal with Han's rescue from Jabba's palace.

Here, for the first time in Star Wars history, elements from the expanded universe novels are introduced into a "canon" (i.e., a "real" Star Wars Trilogy) story. Emperor's Hand Mara Jade makes a cameo disguised as Arica, a dancer newly hired by Jabba the Hutt. And a reference is made to events that took place in Steve Perry's novel Shadows of the Empire.

Return of the Jedi's strengths and weaknesses are the same as the ones in its predecessors. It adds depth and shading to characters and situations we are already familiar with, and the music by John Williams and sound effects by Ben Burtt give the project the right Star Wars "feel." Fans new to the actors playing roles originated by Hamill, Carrie Fisher, James Earl Jones, Harrison Ford, Frank Oz, and the other major actors may have to be patient with getting used to the substitutes. Also, the radio convention of characters describing what they are seeing and doing may prove annoying to some. However, this is not a common technique, and most of us who have listened to the Trilogy on Radio have enjoyed it.

Will there be Radio Dramas of The Phantom Menace and Attack of the Clones? At present, Lucasfilm has not announced any plans to create any. And on a sad note, Brian Daley died in 1996 just as recording sessions were being finished, and Highbridge Audio and the production crew dedicated the show to his memory.

I love great literature, and once-upon-a-time, I tried to focus on the National Book Award winners, Gabriel Garcia Marquez and other international authors who could tell a good story in an interesting way. For variety, I read the earlier Stephen King books, and some "hard" science fiction, like Bob Forward. In a funk, and bored with several wonderful books I was plodding through, I heard an advertisement for "Mind Prey" (the previous "Lucas Davenport" novel) by 'John Sandford.' In a moment of -- for me -- consumer frenzy, I saw it at a local drugstore and bought it. Wow! I researched the author, and began to get his "Prey" books and read them from first (Rules of Prey) to last (Sudden Prey). 'Sandford' really knows how to tell a story; his characters are interesting and believable, and while there's plenty of "blood and guts," its all in the context of solid, you-are-there plotting. Sudden Prey, as usual, made me stop in the middle of a chapter, and say aloud, "no, no: that can't happen!" Sometimes I was right, sometimes I was wrong, and I give all the credit in the world to 'John Sandford' for getting me involved enough to care about the characters he creates. And, I still enjoy the National Book Award-type "good" literature I once thought was the only thing "intelligent" people should read. I'll read everything this guy puts out. If Sudden Prey is your first Sandford book, you'll go back and read the rest -- and I recommend them all. Jack Flynn

"Sudden Prey" is the latest addition John Sanford's "Prey" novels. This series is known for great stories, suspense, and characters. The lead character of "Sudden Prey" is once again Chief Lucas Davenport of the Minneapolis Police Department. In this story Lucas is once again on the trail of some sadistic serial killers. Their leader is out to avenge the deaths of his sister and wife at the hands of the Minneapolis police. His plan is simple - to kill the loved ones of the police officers involved in the shooting. This is a great addition to the "Prey" series. Lucas is once again very believable in his quest to find the killers. Although "Sudden Prey" will not win any literary achievement awards, it is an exciting book. A great read for the summer.

This is one of my favourites in the Prey series. Two females are shot in a bank robery, and the husband of one of them escapes from prison. Now he wants to get his revenge, but not by taking it out directly on the police officers. He wants them to suffer as he is, and wanting nothing by revenge, he's going after their families...
Sandford is a master of writing about different motives for the killings in all his thrillers. Previously I've read about someone killing because (s)he feels (s)he have to do it, another time I read about a much more dangerous motivation, the profit. In this book, Sudden Prey, the main character, Lucas Davenport, is facing the most simple and purest motivation, which is revenge. But can his killer-instinct, fast thinking and intelligence help him to solve this case?
Sandford has the ability of making you so curious about what will happen, that you simply can't put the book away. You have to finish it right away. And if you enjoy the Prey series, this book is a must. Certainly one his best. A great book also recommended to anyone who loves to read, and those who like thillers.

John Sandford brings a previous antagonist back in this, the 13th book in his series.
Clara Rinker was one of Lucas Davenport's most dangerous foes. While Davenport is facing fatherhood, his wedding, rebuilding his home and some career challenges. All these things must go on without him as he is suddenly yanked from his "normal" life when Clara Rinker resurfaces. After a lengthy disappearance and an attempt on her life, she is threatening to kill a list of individuals. Since Davenport is one of the few people to have dealt with her and survived, the FBI calls him in to assist them on their investigation. Davenport proceeds in his usual manner to assist them, ie. he plays by his own rules and is not drawn in to the standard methods of investigating.
The characters ring true and the pace of the novel is rapid, driven by revenge, love and justice. John Sandford manages to keep his Davenport series strong.

After more than a dozen books in the "Prey" series, John Sandford still manages to make Lucas Davenport both larger than life and thoroughly believable. Clara Rinker is a terrific adversary, screwed up, deadly, but with enough human sensitivity to make the reader feel a lot of sympathy. For most of the book, I was rooting for her to get away with it. The plot is clever and generally makes sense, though I don't think the real FBI would allow themselves to be shown up so consistently by a bunch of ex-cops roaming around their former beat. Sandford has, with a few exceptions, held the reader's interest in the series, by having Davenport grow older and grow up. In this one, Davenport is about to get married, his fiancee is pregnant, and he's on the verge of starting a new job. So many other series start out with a bang but quickly descend into formula and routine. John Sandford shows them how them all how it ought to be done.

Clara Rinker, a top-notch hitwomen introduced in Certain Prey, returns with a vengeance. She has attempted to settle down and retire, but while living in Mexico, her boyfriend and unborn child are killed by a gunman. As she recovers from her own wounds, she starts planning her revenge on those who are responsible: organized crime bosses in St. Louis; former clients. Two FBI agents return from Certain Prey also: Mallard and Malone. They call in Lucas Davenport, the deputy Commisioner of Police of Minneapolis, as a consultant to help them attempt to net Clara Rinker. Thus begins a very solid Prey novel, as one would expect from John Sanford. He breaks no new ground with this novel, but does a great job keeping the reader entertained. The novel does not bog down into a lot of unnecessary detail and filler; it keeps moving at a good pace. As stated above, a number of the main characters are recycled from Certain Prey. However, if the reader has forgotten the details of that book, it won't affect the enjoyment of this one. A thoroughly enjoyable read for seasoned Sanford fans as well as those who have never read a Prey book.